GARY LEE BURMESTER
August 26, 1941 ~ May 26, 2014
Gary Lee Burmester, 72, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away May 26, 2014.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sandra, of 38 years; daughters, Susan Chasse, Kimberly Burmester and Jari Burmester; son, Jeffrey (Jo) Burmester; grandchildren, Matthew, Kyle and Samantha; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Donald) Janda, Sue (Al) Jacobsmeyer and Kathryn (Mike) Orcutt; brother-in-law, Vic Henricksen (Letty Navarro); and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Gladys Burmester; and parents-in-law, Victor and Gladys Henricksen.
Gary was an avid sports fan (especially the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Cardinals). He enjoyed watching sports, eating out, and taking an occasional trip to Spirit Mountain. Gary loved his family and friends, had a great sense of humor, and dearly loved his pets, Gracie, Deevah, and Bentley. Gary served in the United States Air Force and was extremely proud to be a veteran. After 21 years of employment, he retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in 2001.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sat., May 31, 2014 at the Heathman Lodge (Sacajawea Room), 1:00p.m-4:00p.m., at 7801 NE Greenwood Dr., Vancouver, WA 98662.
Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
Published in The Columbian on May 29, 2014
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Marilyn Waide (Lake)
Gary was always a really nice guy! It's sounds like he had a good life. My sympathy to his family and friends everywhere.
Donald Lahr
I remember Gary as always having a flattop, being a good baseball player and loving all sports. My best wishes to his family.
Don Lahr
John Bosnak
Gary was a great football and baseball player. We had a play in football called "split left" where he would run down the center of the field from his left halfback position and Mike Hunter would throw him a deep pass. Gary made a number of touchdowns on that play.
John Bosnak
Cindy Kodros (Garvey)
I think my first year of school with Gary was at the old Roosevelt School for 1 year and then we all went to West Jr. which was the brand new school for all of us. Yes, Gary always had that flat top and was terrific in sports. Loved cheerleading for the team our senior year of high school. I do hope that Gary's family can read these nice remarks about him and know that his old Alton High School Class never forgot about him. Our sympathy goes out to his family.
Arla Roller (Fickle)
I first met Gary at Jerseyville grade school when I visited his school with my cousin Beth for the day. We were allowed to do that back then. He definitely stood out in the class as I had to sit behind him. Then many yrs later, I met him again at Clara Barton School where we both attended and in what grade I dont remember. Then we all went to West except Harry and Wayne Schofel went to East as we were on the border line. But i choose to go to West with my friends. Gary used to bother me on the bus and I remember smacking him once which I was sorry about. Even to this day. Then all of us were gone to Alton High and were all in the melting pot and didnt see everyone as much. I was glad to know him for the short time as he was a fun guy. God bless his family! Arla( Roller) Fickle
eve
John Lewis
I only knew Gary for two years because I was new to the school and he was a year ahead of me. During that time we played together on the baseball and football teams. He was a good athelete and I enjoyed my time on the field with him. I have freqently wondered what had happened to him and how he was doing. That he was a veterern raises him up a couple of knotches in my opinion. It took me more than 55 years to realize that he was born exactly one year before me on 26 August. RIP Gary.