Gary Edward Burgess, age 75, a longtime resident of Central Park, died on Jan. 16, 2020. He was born on August 12, 1944, to Lester D. and Ruby R. (Morton) Burgess. He was raised in Cosmopolis and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1962.

He was stationed in Germany while serving in the U.S. Army. There he met and married Waltraud E. Krüger. The couple located to Aberdeen in 1969, where he worked for Grays Harbor Paper until its closure in 1992. He then worked at Ocean Spray until working for the Weyerhaeuser sawmill in Aberdeen. After each mill closure, he would further his education at Grays Harbor College. He finished his career renovating and remodeling homes.

He is remembered as a loving husband and father and as an avid gardener.

Mr. Burgess was a member of the AM Vets located at the Montesano VFW, where he was a service officer.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Waltraud, of the family home; sons, Neil Burgess and Tyson Burgess (Jessica) of Aberdeen; a daughter, Kirsten Williams of Aberdeen and seven grandchildren, Nicholas Burgess, Kiera Williams, Malaki Osbekoff, Xander Burgess, Kyran Williams, Savannah Burgess and Ian Burgess.

He was preceded by brothers Raymond and Garnet Burgess.

Visitation will be at the Coleman Mortuary on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A graveside service with military honors will follow at 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park with Pastor Sean Hollen officiating. A potluck reception will be held at the Montesano VFW at 5 p.m.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.