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Gary Burr Obituary
Gary proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS San Jose and North Island Naval Base as a computer programmer. This ignited his passion for technology leading to his long career in IT, primarily with American Express.
While serving in the Navy, Gary met his wife Paula and they married in 1983. They had four amazing children, Brielle, Danielle, Janelle and Ethan. He was loved by his son in laws Travis, Matt and Andrew. He was blessed with 6 grandchildren Tanner, Kinsley, Teagan, Garrison, Maddie, and Declan.
Gary believed in giving back to the communities he was part of and was actively involved in the American Express Veterans Group and the Veterans Heritage Project. The story of his military experience can be found in the Library of Congress.
His best times were spent with family and friends, watching football, listening to music, sharing stories and traveling the world. The photographs he took on his travels prove a fulfilling and glorious journey. Gary had the ability to connect with so many people and the warm embrace of his presence and dad jokes will be missed.
Gary will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. Make sure you tell someone you love them and don't miss an opportunity for a hug. His family would love if you share photos or stories that you have with him in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Avinash Karnati
January 2, 2025
My journey with Gary was a whirlwind of inspiration and joy!! Never knew he was a veteran until I read the his life story. Though it was brief, Gary quickly became my star in the world of finops. Our spirits aligned and together we celebrated our passions. Admired how caring he was for loved ones. I was bursting with pride as Gary brought his dream to life, crafting a breathtaking haven for retirement. The connection we forged was unforgettable, and Gary will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Barbara Hatch
December 31, 2024
Mike Kennedy
December 17, 2024
Gary was always a person who I enjoyed being on calls and in meetings with as it was not the rote meeting-ever.
He was always so proud of his non work life and family and I took that away to make sure that the balance that we all talked about was real.
Thanks Gary
Ashwin Jain
November 18, 2024
Even though I worked with Gary for only a month, I would never forget our first meeting. It was supposed to be a 30 min interview, which lasted for 90 mins. We discussed on multiple topics related to FinOps, my past role and especially Agile methodology of executing projects. We had differing opinions on certain topics, but he respected my point of view while expressing his own. After joining Amex, Gary became my mentor, a friend and a source of very positive support as he helped me navigate the new project in a new organization. His support and willingness to assist me whenever needed really helped me feel more confident in my new role. He would offer a word of encouragement, share a laugh and his genuine warmth made me feel like a family. I miss talking to him. I miss his presence in our meetings, his voice of reason during challenges and his enthusiasm. He will always be in our memory. May God bless his soul, and give his family and friends the strength to bear such a huge loss!
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Trevor Harwood
November 11, 2024
I have worked with Gary for many years, and he was always great to chat with about work and personal topics. I know he loved his time at the lake and shared quite a few stories, so I know he certainly made the most of and loved his time there. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Merritt Trier
November 11, 2024
Gary and I worked together since 2017, and over the years we went from colleagues to friends. He had a great sense of humor and could talk about almost anything. I learned many good recipes from him, especially crock pot meatballs, and he loved talking about what he made for his family on Football Sundays. He was an avid photographer and shared his pictures. Moving to the lake gave him new wildlife to capture, and that made him very happy. He was great at telling stories, he had so many different experiences that he brought to life with his words.
As a colleague he had a strong work ethic and was an active listener, always stepping in to help. Gary would say to me "I got this" and I always appreciated that. He loved to learn and could figure out any problem. His guidance and knowledge will be missed, and Gary will be forever in my thoughts.
Pam McEowen
November 11, 2024
Gary was a special person with a giving heart and the ability to make people laugh. I am blessed to have known him and will always find a place in my heart for him.
Merritt Trier
November 11, 2024
Some photos of Gary & the team over the years
Shyam Venkatachalapathi
November 11, 2024
Gary is a wonderful colleague and a fun person to work with. I miss him greatly!
Diego Olivos
November 11, 2024
Although my time working with Gary was brief, I couldn't help to notice what a great person he was. Usually, we who work with people from all over the world come up against a wall that hides our true self and only lets you see a professional, with Gary this was not the case, he made you feel as if you were working with a human being, and I believe that all those who worked with him feel the same, and if that was just a part of him I cannot even imagine what was to have him in your life. God bless him and his family in this time of sorrow.
Diego Olivos
November 11, 2024
Even if it was brief the time I've spent working with Gary, I couldn't help to notice the great person he was. Usually, us who work with people all over the world face a wall that hides our true self's and only let us see the professional version of us, but with Gary this was not the case, he made you feel like you were working with a human person not just a professional behind screen and I think that is something all people who worked with him will remember. God bless him and his family in this time of sorrow.
Glenn Crouch
November 10, 2024
I am learning so much more about Gary reading the comments from family & friends here. Whilst my relationship with Gary was insignificant in comparison, I do recall fondly the first time I met him in American Express in early 2019 when I had joined the same organization. At first I thought he was quite stern in his opinions and might be an interesting character to work with! Over the subsequent years I enjoyed my conversations with Gary on various projects and shared priorities - valuing his experience and perspective, whilst also learning he was always ready to work hard and do the right thing.
Seeing the impact Gary made on so many family members and colleagues, it's clear that he brought his true self across all aspect of his personal and professional life - a life worth celebrating indeed.
Joe Mayeux
November 8, 2024
Gary and I served on the USS San Jose together creating a life long friendship. So glad to have had Gary in my life.
Danielle Fenwick
November 6, 2024
Wanted to share a few photos showing some silliness and love.
Patrick McCall
November 6, 2024
Gary Burr was the BEST FRIEND I ever had !!
Patrick The Good
November 6, 2024
Darlene Mccall
November 6, 2024
Gary was my brother in law, he was a kind person who I enjoyed being around. Paula, Gary, Patrick and I had the best time together in Ireland. He called me a leprechaun! I will miss him dearly.
Yoko Koda
November 5, 2024
Gary was my host family's dad. He was a kind person. I remember listening to his first guitar performance with Paula and the rest of the family. Gary, I hope you're watching over your family in heaven.
Karen Schellhase
November 5, 2024
Gary was a friend. You opened your home to many holiday parties and events. I always will remember him greeting guests with a big smile and sharing much laughter.
Jessica pratti
November 5, 2024
Gary was my uncle, he was such an amazing person to us growing up. He´s the first one to show me how to make banana bread and to build doll houses (which I still do) he will be greatly missed.
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