Gary's final message before he died: "I've had the best life"

Sunday 02 January 2022

Before he died on New Year's Day, broadcaster and journalist Gary Burgess wrote a message which he asked to be released following his death.

In his message, Mr Burgess, who was 46, thanked the people he had met and known and wrote that "they helped me live my best life". He went on to reflect on his career and his feelings as he and his family and friends prepared for his death.

Mr Burgess' message was published alongside a message from his husband, Alan, whom he married in 2018. 

"I've had the best life. I've had the luckiest life," wrote Mr Burgess.

"I met my soul mate and the love of my life who went on to become my husband.

"I got to work with some of the most amazing people in newsrooms and studios doing the job I absolutely adore.

"And I've been able to share my own relatively short time on this planet surrounded by friends and loved ones who have enriched my life in ways they may never truly understand.

"My greatest sadness is the prospect of leaving all of that and all of them behind.

"The thought of doing that to Alan is unfathomable to process, but I also know the very people who've shown me love and support will now wrap those feelings around him in the coming days.

"It' s time for me to hand over my microphone and keyboard for others to do the talking about me, so let my final words simply be 'thank you'.

"Every person in my life has, in their own way, helped me live my best life.

That'll do."

Picture credit: Liberate.gg