Wesley Court resident, Gerald Galbraith is still in the saddle at 85-years-old, living independently in the cottages at Wesley Court. Galbraith continues to maintain the ranch he purchased more than 40 years ago, all while helping his daughter run a financial advisory business. Since moving to the community in 2023, Galbraith has enjoyed the freedom to focus on his passions while enjoying the comfort and support of life at Wesley Court.
“Living at Wesley Court helps me focus on what matters most to me,” Galbraith said. “They take care of my responsibilities, so I have more time with the cattle and helping my daughter run our wealth management practice.”
Most days, Galbraith can be found tending to the livestock or working with his daughter at their wealth management firm, R.W. Baird.
“I am completely in control on my ranch,” joked Galbraith. “On the other hand, my daughter does most of the heavy lifting at the firm and I sometimes do what she tells me to.”
Galbraith moved to Wesley Court following the passing of his wife. What he found was more than a new home; he found a new beginning, a supportive community, and the peace of mind to continue living life on his terms. While still having the freedom to enjoy his passions from his life before moving in, he was able to make an impact on another community.
“We prioritize creating a supportive environment,” said Helen Donaldson, director of lifestyles at Wesley Court. “We handle the logistics of daily living so residents can continue doing what they love—whether that’s ranching, volunteering, or pursuing new interests.”
A true Abilene legend, Galbraith, has deep roots in the area. He helped lead Abilene High School to three state football championships in the 1950s and has spent nearly five decades as a member of First Baptist Church serving as deacon and finance committee chairman. His community involvement extends to serving on the boards of the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame and previously serving on the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Board.
“Gerald is a testament to what we do here at Wesley Court,” said Donaldson. “We empower our residents to continue their passions, even after retirement and find new hobbies in this new stage of life.”
Wesley Court has enabled Galbraith to stay active and connected with the Abilene community. In recognition of his vibrant spirit and engagement, in 2024 he was named Wesley Court’s “Leading Man”—an honor that reflects both his contributions within the community and his legacy beyond it.