Gary Kurutz Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Ken Harrison
January 7, 2026
We will all miss Gary and his contributions to historical research and bibliography. I for one also miss getting on the phone and talking to him about some new thing I acquired and what his perspective on it might be. I will also miss going on walks with him and discussing the state of the world. He was among the few librarians who was both a scholar, a master creator of exhibits for people and someone who built a great collection because he had special awareness of the market for and sellers of Western Americana. Fond memories reinforced by his books on my shelves.
One last for now, one of my life´s memorable occasions was when I visited him at the Sutro library that he led so well. I was delivering some items he bought and he showed me the magnificent shelves filled with impressive color plate books in the stacks. We went to his office and he said you might like to see this as he handed me the libraries First Folio Shakespeare. Great experience with a great friend.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jim Wallen
December 26, 2025
Gary, you were a genuinely fine man. I am glad we had a few moments to reconnect briefly after many decades. My love goes out to your family. Godspeed my brother
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
7856 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91941
Make a Donation
in Gary Kurutz's name
People and places connected with Gary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gary's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Kurutz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
