We regret to inform you that Roger Galatas, one of the key leaders in the development of The Woodlands and a staunch supporter of the community’s mission and public education, died Thursday at 83.
Galatas was hired by legendary businessman George Mitchell, founder of the 28,0000-acre master-planned community north of Houston, in 1979 and served as president and chief executive of The Woodlands Operating Co. for two decades.
Tim Welbes, co-president of what is now called The Woodlands Development Co., said Galatas’ vision and insistence that the development of the community be a priority for future owners was a large part of why The Woodlands was able to maintain the look, feel and atmosphere Mitchell had envisioned in the early 1970s. The company was first sold in the 1990s and is now owned by Dallas-based Howard Hughes Corp.
Galatas’ work to grow the community included helping found the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, a performing arts and concert venue; The Woodlands Hospital, now a Memorial Hermann-affiliated facility; and the John cooper School.
Roger was a great leader, family man and friend. He will be missed.
On 7/27/19 Rotary hosted the MC Youth Services Kids for Roller Skating Outing. We shared in good old fashion fun and Judy and Nikki even showed up with their own skates! All of the kids laced up their skates and rolled out on the floor singing and skating to the music. For several of the them it was the first time they had been rollerskating in their lives. We indulged in pizza and soda and allowed them to just be kids. The afternoon wrapped up with a race of all the kids and a couple Rotarians around the rink. It was an amazing day. About a week after the outing we received handwritten thank you cards from each of the kids and the counselors. It heartwarming knowing that we are making a difference in their worlds.
Both of our units are currently occupied. We have three patients on the waiting list. We have served patients from all hospitals in the area including MD Anderson.
At their May 2 Luncheon, The Rotary Club honored their selection of the 2018-2019 Students of the Year. What a great bunch of young people from our Woodlands Area Schools. The students, their parents and CISD can all be proud of the great accomplishments of these students.
