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The number and breadth of tributes paid to broadcaster Gary Burgess indicates how many lives he touched and how fondly he will be remembered.
The 46-year-old passed away on New Year’s Day at Jersey Hospice. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer in November 2020, but continued his work as a reporter at ITV Channel until August 2021.
He is survived by his husband, Alan. In 2018, they became the first couple in Jersey to convert their civil partnership into marriage. Alan thanked well-wishers for "the positivity, warmth and support" which the couple received in recent months.
Mr Burgess moved to Guernsey from Blackpool in 2003. He was a broadcaster at Island FM and BBC Radio Guernsey. He then moved into television with ITV, initially working from Guernsey and then, since 2012, from Jersey. He also had a radio show on Channel 103 in Jersey and wrote a column for the Jersey Evening Post.
Here, we share a sample of the tributes to Gary on social media from the Bailiwicks of Guernsey and Jersey.
We send our sincere condolences to the husband, family & friends of Gary Burgess who sadly passed yesterday. When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer he shared his journey with honesty & transparency. He lived his best life every day, a lesson to us all. His legacy will live on https://t.co/atgONvQy0B
— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) January 2, 2022
So very sad to hear that Gary Burgess died yesterday. He was a great chap, a thoroughly decent man and will be sorely missed throughout the Channel Islands and beyond. Best wishes to Alan and his family. #BeMoreBurgess
— Deputy Heidi Soulsby MBE (@HeidiSoulsby) January 2, 2022
ITV journalist dies after cancer battle https://t.co/qFqVtKnKVO via @Yahoo
— Peter John "Rufus" Roffey (@PeterRoffey5) January 2, 2022
Garry is rightly being remembered far and wide. This one from the Evening Standard in London. Lovely man and a sad loss.
Privileged to have known you Gary.
— Yvonne Burford (@YvonneBurford) January 2, 2022
Rest in Peace #BeMoreBurgess https://t.co/EzCO5zAIi5
Receiving this news was no less sad for its inevitability. It was an honour to have known Gary and to have called him a friend. Among his many attributes, some - kindness, tolerance and optimism - many of us aspire to show more often but he carried with ease. #bemoreburgess https://t.co/OYEZnU1K5N
— Gavin St Pier ???????? (@gavinstpier) January 2, 2022
Sad start to the year ???? @GaryBurgessCI will be greatly missed. Almost the same age as me, a reminder he's gone too soon. An inspiring life, Gary made a unique contribution to the CI media scene. Thoughts are with husband Alan, family & friends https://t.co/yGuejcLMOY
— Aidan Matthews (@AidanDSMatthews) January 2, 2022
Sad news from Jersey. @GaryBurgessCI expected but sad death - he did good,a lot of good. #BeMoreBurgess condolences to Alan, friends & Gary’s family
— Adrian Gabriel (@gabriel4gsy) January 2, 2022
Thank you @GaryBurgessCI for preparing us so well for the inevitable. It’s no less sad but your inspiration will live on. Heartfelt condolences to your family and your countless friends x
— Steve Falla (@steve_falla) January 2, 2022
Gary equally touched the lives of those who knew him personally or those who did not. Thank you leaving such a legacy and inspiring us. #RIP https://t.co/h6hT4HOVXz
— Sasha Kazantseva-Miller (@sashakmiller) January 2, 2022
He defined and described the realty of cancer sufferers not only in these islands, but throughout the world,
— steve roberts (@captainpipkin) January 2, 2022
and will be sadly missed by all.
Thank you Gary. You were the bravest of men .
A million candles could not compete with the light you shone on our world Mr B.❤️I will miss you so very much. I will cherish the memories of having you in my world for so many treasured years.Mydeepest love and condolences to your beautiful husband,family&friends pic.twitter.com/9QpaSUJVIE
— Susie Campanella (@suescampanella1) January 2, 2022
The best friend, mentor and colleague I could have asked for.
— John Fernandez (@JohnFernandez1) January 2, 2022
RIP Gary. You leave a legacy which you can be proud of. https://t.co/tZSaksaxvX
The impact Gary had on those around him, and these islands, is impossible to overstate. A guiding light to many. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and the @ITVChannelTV team. https://t.co/m7GBFgAQlO
— Tony Curr (@tonycvrr) January 2, 2022
Extraordinary couple. My heart is sad but I'm so grateful to have known Gary. https://t.co/UmIAxUUc2N
— Emma Anderson (@EmmaEchoComms) January 2, 2022
An exceptional man and an exceptional career. Gary will be so missed by many. My thoughts are with Alan and his family. https://t.co/rIbl3cA3j3
— Nicola Brink MBE (@DrNicolaBrink) January 2, 2022
1/ GB gave me my first ever job in media, at @islandfm more than 15 years ago. He taught me and many others a LOT about the trade. While other local stations seemed to view news as an unfortunate licence obligation, to Gary it was genuinely integral and a reason to listen… https://t.co/a9GV9nmUBr
— Rob Moore (@RobMooreGsy) January 2, 2022
So sorry to hear of the passing of @GaryBurgessCI. His courage, wit and good humour were an inspiration to many. He will be greatly missed, my thoughts are with his family and friends.
— John Le Fondre (@John_Le_Fondre) January 2, 2022
Ministers and colleagues across @GovJersey were hugely saddened to hear of the passing of Gary Burgess. We all send our condolences to his family, friends and the community that will sorely miss him. https://t.co/OgEHGeQLhD pic.twitter.com/C8U8AO4rJF
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) January 2, 2022
We're very sorry to hear of the death of @GaryBurgessCI. He was an exceptional journalist, adept at asking the difficult questions but always with grace and good humour. The way he dealt with terminal illness was truly inspirational. Our thoughts are with his husband and family
— States Assembly - Jersey's elected parliament (@StatesAssembly) January 2, 2022
So very sad to learn of the passing of @GaryBurgessCI Gary was a formidable journalist who inspired so many of us with his zest for life his care for others and ultimately his courage. He was truly unique and will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to Gary’s family. pic.twitter.com/gwcQU2mu4J
— Sen. Lyndon Farnham (@lyndonfarnham) January 2, 2022
So sorry to hear of the passing of @GaryBurgessCI he will be missed by us all. Even during his suffering he was courageous and gave others hope. Thank you Gary for enriching our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with his family RIP. #bemoreburgess
— Senator Ian Gorst (@Ian_Gorst) January 2, 2022
We share the sadness felt by Islanders that @GaryBurgessCI has passed away. Gary was a kind, generous person, dedicated to telling stories that mattered - never afraid to ask the tough questions, but did so with good humour. Our thoughts are with his husband, Alan and his family
— Reform Jersey (@ReformJersey) January 2, 2022
A rainbow out West for @GaryBurgessCI what an inspiration he was. Gary approached his terminal illness as his work; with good humour, honesty & purpose. Sharing his experience & knowledge to better inform others & encourage debate. Our deepest sympathy to Alan & family https://t.co/LevCgpoq0s pic.twitter.com/w24Zpd0hjW
— Kristina Moore (@Moore4Jersey) January 2, 2022
I remember watching @GaryBurgessCI chair a political debate in St Saviour’s Parish Hall in 2013 and thinking “this guy is in a different league”.
— ???????? Montfort Tadier???????? (@DeputyTadier) January 2, 2022
A hugely talented journalist; a compassionate and wonderful human. Professional, insightful and incisive.
We were lucky to have you pic.twitter.com/FkTDE5Ffu1
Deepest condolences to Alan & family of the amazing @GaryBurgessCI
— Philip Ozouf (@philipozouf) January 2, 2022
Formidable journalist, irresistible charm, teasing facts from recalcitrant interviewees
Courage, fortitude, energy & humour
He made the world a better place in many ways
Gary lives on in our hearts & memories pic.twitter.com/t5TBnvjfYp
At peace now @GaryBurgessCI - a true professional & all-round top bloke! Fly high Mr B - our deepest condolences to your husband, family, friends & colleagues #BeMoreBurgess pic.twitter.com/3KMdJHVlw1
— Ports of Jersey (@PortsofJersey) January 2, 2022
Today we learnt of the sad passing of Gary Burgess. He was a brilliant journalist, good friend of @jerseychamber & one of the finest of people. On behalf of our members, our President & officers, we send our heartfelt condolences to his husband Alan. We should all #BeMoreBurgess
— Jersey Chamber (@jerseychamber) January 2, 2022
You are a best friend, one of the most important people in my life; and I am really going to miss you @GaryBurgessCI.
— Katie Chiang (@KatieChiangITV) January 2, 2022
Love always. pic.twitter.com/TNcGKRurhk
He lit up the world with his dazzling wit, kindness and positivity in the face of adversity. You knew him as the narrator of our islands, I knew him as my friend. And I will miss my friend enormously. Love you GB. Xxx pic.twitter.com/FUcC7kEVIf
— Jess Dunsdon (@Jessdunsdon) January 2, 2022
We are all devastated by the loss of our dear friend and colleague Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary's husband Alan and his family. https://t.co/s455TZ5wQm
— Karen Rankine (@KarenRankine) January 2, 2022
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