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Gary Govert Obituary
Cary
Gary Robert Govert, 62, died of cardiac arrest on Monday, January 19, 2015, with his wife keeping a loving and tender vigil by his side. He was born on April 28, 1952 to Robert and Joyce Govert, who survive him.
After serving in the Navy and remaining in awe of the bright, clear stars above the Pacific Ocean, Gary graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of North Carolina School of Law. Gary began his career as a journalist, became a partner in the law firm of Smith, Helms, Mullis & Moore in Raleigh, and eventually joined the office of the State Attorney General, focusing on Consumer Protection and then Special Litigation.
Gary had prodigious gifts. He was a man of high intellect and clever wit, a discerning reader (especially of Flannery O'Connor), a true St. Louis Cardinals fan, a softball first-baseman with a stretch befitting his 6'3" frame, a respected colleague, and a committed and devoted member of Cary Presbyterian Church. He was a caring, congenial, humorous and wise friend, and, most significantly, a beloved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.
Gary has left behind his wife, Ellen Voss Govert, and his three children: Jeffrey Owen Govert and his fiancée Jenna St. Pierre, and 12-year-old twins Ian Robert and Sarah Flannery Govert. He is also survived by his parents and three siblings, Sue Giampietro, Tom Govert, Judy Stoltenberg, and their respective families. Gary is also deeply mourned by his family-by-marriage: David and Lynn Voss, Kate Voss, and Ian and Jane Voss Dunbar and their two children.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 23 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Cary Presbyterian Church, 614 Griffis Street, Cary, NC. The memorial service will be Saturday, January 24 at 2:00 p.m., also at Cary Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Gary's memory may be made to Cary Presbyterian Church.
Condolences may be sent at:
www.brownwynnecary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Govert
Sponsored by Elaine and Vaughn Earl Hartsell.
February 8, 2015
Dear Govert Family & Friends,
I just heard of Gary's repose in Christ. It was my privilege to have been a neighbor across the street from the Govert family in the 1960s or perhaps even 1959. They were outstanding people and were probably the best neighbors we ever had. I lost track of Gary and his family when they moved away. However, I can see he was still the same bright, humorous, good natured and trustworthy special person as he was as my slightly younger boyhood friend. I had been intending to locate Gary recently and give him a buzz. I send my deepest thanksgivings to Gary's family for being blessed by Gary and his family in my boyhood. Our God will send you comfort in the knowledge that through the power of Christ we shall be reunited with Gary in the Life to come. Best Regards.
Leslie H Brooks
[email protected]
317-573-0594 (h)
327-457-2654 (c)
John Scherer
January 27, 2015
Ellen, I just learned about Gary's passing and am deeply sorry for your family's loss. As a colleague in the AG's office, I got a chance to work w/ Gary a bit and always enjoyed his humor and keen insight into law and other matters. When I learned that he was married to a Davidson classmate and a great person, that only elevated his status. ;-) Gary was a fantastic attorney and an even better guy. I cannot imagine what your family is experiencing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and if there is anything you need or that I can provide from Wilmington, please do not hesitate to contact me.
January 24, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Govert, Voss and Dunbar families at the loss of Gary. His was a life to be celebrated, one well lived and ended too soon. We know that he is at peace and you are wrapped In a community of God's love. With deepest sympathy. The Curtis family
betsy mark megalos
January 24, 2015
Our deepest sympathies for your loss to the Govert and greater Voss family. Gary was a blessed individual and we were lucky to have known him and shared his presence for more than a quarter century. Although business travel prevented our being with you in this trying time, please know that you are and have been our thoughts.
the Megalos family, Cary
January 23, 2015
Ellen, Jane, Lynn and David,
We were heart broken to learn of your loss. A great thrill and pleasure of our lives was Ellen and Gary's celebration of marriage and the years of joy it has brought. It was an honor to know Gary and we celebrate the fine person he was. With our love,
Liz and Bill Rupp
Duane and Gloria Best
January 22, 2015
Thankful for the life of Gary and his family plus our David and Lynn Voss friends. To God be the glory! Duane and Gloria Best, Glenaire
Robert Govert
January 22, 2015
Our lives are forever changed with the loss of Gary, our son, brother, and uncle. Though our hearts will need time to heal, we are strengthened and comforted by the life Gary led - fulfilled by his faith, his loving family, friends, and the good works he accomplished. Even though his last few months, especially the last two weeks of his life, were beyond difficult our memories will forever be of a man often in deep thought, yet just as often wearing a big toothy grin. For all of us he will be remembered as a man who loved his God, family, and life itself. Our prayer is that you are resting peacefully in the loving arms of God, Gary. Love, Mom, Dad, Sue, Pete, Tom, Dani, Judy, Lee, nieces and nephews.
Melissa Daubenspeck
January 22, 2015
Dear Ellen, Lynn, and Jane, I found out about Gary through another P.E.O. sister and have been praying for him and all of you earlier this week. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you. With deepest sympathy, Lovingly in P.E.O., Melissa Daubenspeck, Chapter BP
Michael Gaffigan
January 22, 2015
I was saddened to hear of Gary's death. I knew Gary in the 80's and 90's, when he was a reporter, law student and lawyer. One of the last times I saw him was at a Warren Zevon concert in Carrboro, and his wit was in fine form talking about Zevon, Bruce Cockburn and other musicians, as well as how our lives had changed since the 80s. Gary was a close friend, and I cherish the times he spent with me, whether in our CH Bible Church small group, going hiking in the Western North Carolina/TN mountains, or being snowed in at my apartment after a Super Bowl. May Christ surround his family, and bless them with his presence.
Michelle Blau
January 22, 2015
My love and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. All my love
Rhonda Chesson
January 21, 2015
Jeff, our thoughts are with you and your family. Lots of love and hugs, The Chesson Family
Mark Klafter
January 21, 2015
The news of Gary's sudden death hits me hard. He was my friend and brother in the Lord going back to the 1980's in Chapel Hill. He was a fine and caring man, so much fun to be around and so engaging in conversation. I remember Jeffrey Owen being born but I did not know about the twins. Like Gary, I had my last child when I was 50 years old. I bless those children in the name of the Lord and I pray that we will honor his memory by the freedom and joy by which we live our lives and give to others. Rejoice with Jesus, Gary. We'll all be joining you one day!!
Norma DiDonato
January 21, 2015
I knew Gary both when working with him at Smith Helms and as the law clerk for Judge Exum who worked on a case that resulted in a significant change in the law in North Carolina. Gary was a great person - funny, highly intelligent, perceptive and an all around great person. He will be missed by many. My thoguhts and prayers go out to his family and friends. The world was better place because Gary was a part of it.
Robyn McDaniel
January 21, 2015
Gary was a wonderful person with whom I had the privilege of working with at Smith Helms Mulliss & Moore. Gary was super intelligent, witty and an awesome writer. He will be missed by so many people. Gary's family will continue to be in my prayers.
Robin Shannon
January 21, 2015
Dearest Ellen,
My heart goes out to you and all the extended family at this difficult time. You are in my heart and prayers. Gary's smile and quick wit will be missed. Take care of yourself. I will see you soon.
Michael Byrne
January 20, 2015
Mr. Govert was a consummate professional and was always pleasant and courteous to work with. His passing is a loss for the state bar generally and in particular for those of us in public legal work. My deepest sympathies to his family.
January 20, 2015
Deepest sympathy. Gone much too soon. He will be keenly missed.
Assistant Attorney General
Peggy S. Vincent
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