Galen Kent Chestnut

October 1st, 1968 - May 23rd, 2015

Galen's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Galen here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Mr. Chestnut,

My name is Greg Livorsi and I was a close friend of Galen's back in grade. I recently learned of his passing through another friend and was very saddened to hear it. I wanted to express my sympathies to you and share a few fond memories of Galen. You may even remember me as I spent the night at your home several times.

Galen was a great friend to me and very protective of me. I was always a weakling and subject to bullying, but Galen stood up for me and would always come to my aid. There were many occasions where enemies of mine were put in their place by him. I truly believe I would have been pummeled into submission in grade school if I didn't have my guardian by my side.

During one of my sleepovers at your home, we had a blizzard and school was cancelled for the entire week. My weekend sleepover ended up being about 5 days long. Galen had a snowmobile suit that he had outgrown and he gave it to me. We then went out into the snow and explored the Westport area. I also recall his fondness with the Apple computer he had. We would often do some programming on it or play a very primitive flight simulator. Another time I remember that you and your wife had gone out for the evening and came home much later than expected. When you finally got home you said that you had gotten one flat tire, fixed it, and then got a second flat in the same trip. I didn't think it was really bad at the time until you explained that you were out on your motorcycle. We also enjoyed playing with the film editing equipment in Galen's basement bedroom. We made our own edits of the films he had for comedic effect. I also remember that you had served as a photographer in the Navy and had pictures of the sinking Andrea Doria. You gave me some of them when you learned that I had an interest in shipwrecks.

Galen and I grew apart in high school and I lost track of him until a few years ago when we reconnected via Facebook. We talked on the phone a time or two and talked about getting together sometime but unfortunately we didn't get the chance. I read your note on the funeral website and see that Galen went into the technical field. He was always a very technically-minded hands-on guy. I ended up as a mechanical engineer, so I can see how we got along so well.

Again, I am very sorry to hear of Galen's passing. He was a great guy and a great friend.

Sincerely,

Greg Livorsi