Exhibit 32.1

               Certificate Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63
                      of Title 18 of the United States Code


     I, J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., the chief executive officer of Arthur J.
Gallagher & Co., certify that (i) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Arthur J.
Gallagher & Co. for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2003 (the "Form 10-Q")
fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and (ii) the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly
presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
operations of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and its subsidiaries.

Date: July 24, 2003



                                           /s/ J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr.
                                           -------------------------------------
                                                 J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr.
                                           President and Chief Executive Officer
                                               (principal executive officer)


A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been
provided to Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and will be retained by Arthur J.
Gallagher & Co. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its
staff upon request.