Gary Burgess’s death is mourned with a smile
ISLANDERS across Guernsey and Jersey have both mourned and celebrated the life of popular Channel Islands journalist Gary Burgess, who died on New Year’s Day.
Mr Burgess, who had twice beaten cancer but had then been diagnosed with terminal cancer in November 2020, died peacefully in the Jersey Hospice, aged 46.
He worked in Guernsey in two spells from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2008 to 2012, when he moved to Jersey.
He worked at Island FM, BBC Guernsey and ITV Channel, and was well-known for the way he touched the lives of many who came into contact with him. Many islanders paid tributes to him over the weekend.
Close friend Julie Todd said that Mr Burgess had a zest for life.
‘There was something magical about Gary’s ability to read the room,’ she said. ‘He encompassed everyone and everything with a zest for life that scooped you up and carried you along with him. He gave the greatest gift he could to us all – his time.
‘He felt so guilty about the anguish his passing would cause his beloved Alan [his husband], but, once Alan has started to heal, he will feel so blessed that he was your chosen one, Gary, and that he had your love for all these years.’
She said she had been friends with Mr Burgess for more than 20 years.
‘I loved our shared passion for the iconic TV show The West Wing. So I’ll close now with one of the famous quotes from President Bartlet: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful individuals can change the world.” Gary, you changed mine.’
Mr Burgess worked as a freelance journalist, news broadcaster, and radio presenter and was prolific on social media. Following his diagnosis, he also started a blog to share his journey.
‘Gary was unrelentingly curious about people – that’s what made him such a good journalist,’ said his friend, Jane St Pier, from the Community Foundation and Youth Commission.
‘He connected with everyone he met, and brought his laser beam precision to the stories he covered – interviewees underestimated his research and depth of understanding at their peril.’
She said that the last time she saw Mr Burgess, in November, she had left the meeting crying and laughing at the same time.
‘He was a thoughtful and loving friend, who had a wicked sense of humour,’ she added.
‘Gary once told me that Alan was his rock and I think we’ve all seen how Alan’s steadfastness and love allowed Gary to sparkle. They are both the best of us.’
Deputy Gavin St Pier also paid tribute to Mr Burgess.
‘Gary’s unquenchable zest for life and irrepressible positivity, even when facing his terminal illness was remarkable. It also made him a beguiling journalist to deal with, in a profession often known for its cynicism,’ he said.
‘He was superb at his job because he was tenacious and unflinching, but always interested in the topic of the interview and the answers given.
‘He has touched so many people in his all too-short life – not least with the energy, good humour, openness and honesty in which he lived his last few months, which will have helped many in similar circumstances.’
Close friend Carolyn Le Maitre, said: ‘Gary was a funny, intelligent, compassionate human being, and a great part of our family. He was my bestie and I miss him so much.
‘I found a quote which I put on my social media accounts, and as you are reading the tributes, I’ll share it with you: “When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind”.
'Rest in peace my friend.’
