09/26/2026
The Rhumb Line lost a very special family member this week and we wanted to let those of you who knew him know. We love you, Michael Gallagher. Many of you surely remember his years behind our bar, his signature colorful shirts, his sarcastic wit, his no-nonsense demeanor, and his infectious smile and laugh fondly. For so many Micheal was a staple at the Rhumb Line. And, we are honored that the Rhumb Line has been a staple to so many amazing patrons over the years. A respite from the daily grind, a place to visit and laugh with friends, and a place to celebrate the happy days....and share in the unbelievably sad. As a home-away-from-home for so many....we become family. It is impossible not to. So, saying good-bye to Micheal is hard for so many. While I (Nichole) write this, I am acutely aware that so many knew Michael better, longer, and on more personal levels than I did. Fred Shrigley, Jeff, Ellen Tasker, Caroline Marie, Betty, Erika, Molly ...to name just a few ❤️....in addition to so, so many special customers. Some may remember him as someone who was hard to "crack".....he was tough....but, he was so kind. He put up with no buffoonery, but if he warmed up to you, you were blessed. I spent all of my 20s and much of my 30s as a customer at the Rhumb Line...with Michael behind the bar. I took a break while raising two boys, who Michael would ask about whenever he could......and then came back to work at the bar as a second job after Michael had retired. I remember his retirement well. The end of an era for sure. I'm sad that I never got to work with him but my favorite RL memories include post hockey drinks for years and Michael’s golf stories....and knowing that he always had my back. For so many years in a row, Micheal would renew a subscription to Log Home Living for me at Christmas because he knew I always dreamed of living in a log cabin. That is who Micheal was. A tough exterior with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Just a really, really good guy. I'm so sad for those who knew him better....and for those, like Ellen (an amazing friend to Michael), who remained close to him in his post-Rhumb Line years. If you have a "Michael story" share it here. It would be so nice to read. ❤️❤️. Much love from everyone at The Rhumb Line.