Dr. Michael Galbraith, 65

Dr. Michael W. Galbraith, 65, of South Charleston, WV, died Saturday, January 18, 2014, as a result of brain trauma suffered in an accidental fall.

Born in Wauseon, Ohio, son of Eugene and Doris Galbraith, Michael is survived by his son, John M. Galbraith, and former wife, T.J. Galbraith, of Rathdrum, ID; life partner, Dr. Melanie S. Jones of Kingman, AZ; sister, Linda (Charles) Reiner of Eureka, MT; sister, LuAnn Nye of Palmetto, FL; sister-in-law, Brenda Galbraith of Rathdrum, ID; aunt, JoAnn Riegsecker of Archbold, OH; best friend, Dr. Fred Pauley of South Charleston, WV; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Larry E. Galbraith.

A 1967 graduate of Wauseon High School, Michael went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Toledo. He then earned a Doctorate in Adult Education from Oklahoma State University in 1984. Michael had been a Professor of Leadership Studies at Marshall University Graduate College in South Charleston, WV, since 2001.

During his earlier professional career, Michael served in Professorships at the University of Missouri – Columbia, Temple University, and at Florida Atlantic University. He served as the founding editor-in-chief for an international/national book series in Adult Education, having edited 34 books. He also authored 13 books, hundreds of academic publications, and presented at regional, national and international conferences. In 2011, Dr. Galbraith was inducted into the International Adult and Higher Education Hall of Fame. He had recently completed co-authoring a book which is currently in press. He had been a member of the American Association of Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) for more than 30 years, having engaged in numerous leadership roles.

Michael enjoyed fishing with his son John, loved to travel, and was an avid motorcyclist. His family and friends were the most important things in his life. He was a man of great love and passion who influenced the lives of many, and he will forever be remembered and missed.

Being an organ donor himself, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to CORE (Center for Organ Recovery & Education) in Michael’s memory. A Celebration of Life will take place 5-7p.m., on Tuesday, January 21, 2014, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, WV, with a memorial service immediately following. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary icon. Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, WV, is handling the arrangements.