Beloved grandson, actor, singer, writer

Liam Leslie Galaty died at his home in Jackson, Mississippi on Monday, December 18, 2017. He was 14 years old.

Liam was born November 19, 2003 in Jackson. He attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School from preschool until eighth grade, where he excelled in the classroom, exhibiting a love of learning from an early age, as well as a gift for writing, visual art and music.

He was a leader in the St. Andrew’s choral program, where he was a regular soloist, and played theatrical roles such as The Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz and as Mike TV in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Beyond his academic and artistic endeavors, Liam was perhaps best known for his incredible talent for and love of soccer. He played for the Jackson Futbol Club since he was four years old and, as an eighth grader, had already excelled as a member of the varsity soccer team. He also played for the Mississippi Rush Club soccer team and was honored to be a member of the elite Rush Select Program that allowed him to compete alongside some of the best young soccer players in the country.

Outside of school and extracurricular activities, Liam loved to travel and encounter new cultures, ideas and people. He spent three summers in Greece participating in archaeological digs with his father, and often traveled to his family cabin in northern Wisconsin, and to California, where he could enjoy nature and spend time with his extended family.

Liam lived his life with compassion, dedication, joy and courage, his family shared. A kindhearted person with a good sense of humor, he could bring a smile to anyone’s face. He had a natural talent for connecting with people and bringing them together, and often emerged as a leader in group settings. Whether it was academics, sports or the arts, he put his all into everything he tried.

Liam met new experiences with an open and curious mind, and set his heart to offering the best he could to any challenge, whether it be a piece of music for the stage, an architectural drawing, a soccer game, or writing a short story. His talents were matched with his determination, focus and creativity. His generous and vibrant heart sparked joy in all around him, and he has inspired others to live with deep passion and purpose.

Liam is survived by his mother, Tanya Newkirk of Jackson, Mississippi; his father, Dr. Michael Leslie Galaty (wife Sylvia); and brother Dardan “Danny” Magnus Galaty of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is also survived by his grandmother, Grace Newkirk of Claremont, and his grandmother Diane Galaty of Green Bay, Wisconsin; grandfather Ben Newkirk (wife Pam) of La Mesa; grandfather Larry Havert (wife Carolyn) of Yucaipa; aunt Christine Newkirk (husband Paul Cannon) of Pasadena; uncle Jess Newkirk of Brooklyn, New York; aunt Cynthia Galabota (husband Scott) and cousins Donovan and Corinna of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; and uncle Christopher Galaty (wife Gretchen) and cousins Leo and Tomie of Lake Placid, New York. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Rev. William Leslie Galaty of Green Bay.  

Services were held December 23 at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Jackson, with the Rev. Annie Elliot, Rev. Shannon Manning and Rev. Jamie McElroy officiating. A portion of Liam’s ashes will be interred at the family cabin in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, and another will be with his mother. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Student Support Services to support the #LiveLikeLiam fund for suicide prevention. Please make checks payable to St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, 370 Old Agency Rd., Ridgeland, MS 39157, or visit gosaints.org/liam to donate online.