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.
In a statement published on Sunday morning, Alan thanked well-wishers for “the positivity, warmth and support” which the couple received following Gary’s terminal prognosis.
Such warmth has since been in abundance on social media, with individuals from the political, media, charity, business and wider community sharing how Gary touched their lives.
While many know him from his work on-screen at ITV Channel, many of those paying tribute were individuals who knew him from his early foray into broadcasting in Blackpool in the 1990s, which preceded a move to Guernsey in 2003 where he worked at Island FM and BBC Radio Guernsey.
Here, we share a sample of those tributes from…
The world of politics and government
Jersey
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/OgEHGeQLhDpic.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/LevCgpoq0spic.twitter.com/w24Zpd0hjW
— Kristina Moore (@Moore4Jersey) January 2, 2022
Such a genuine and massively gifted communicator with buckets of charm, an almighty loss, Rest in Peace @GaryBurgessCI and Thank You for your care and friendship. Condolences to his husband Alan and all his friends and family. ???? pic.twitter.com/8xjkBKQHWV
— Russell Labey (@RussellLabey) 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”.
A hugely talented journalist; a compassionate and wonderful human. Professional, insightful and incisive.
We were lucky to have you pic.twitter.com/FkTDE5Ffu1— ???????? Montfort Tadier???????? (@DeputyTadier) January 2, 2022
Very sad to hear of the passing of Gary Burgess , the Jersey News scene has lost it’s most colourful character . He not only had a lively presentation style but wrote many a thought provoking article as well.
Will be much missed.— LINDSAY ASH (@Getonthelash2) January 2, 2022
Deepest condolences to Alan & family of the amazing @GaryBurgessCI
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
— Philip Ozouf (@philipozouf) January 2, 2022
#BeMoreBurgess My thoughts on the very sad passing of @GaryBurgessCI and practical suggestions of how to #BeMoreBurgesspic.twitter.com/Y1UVDmXYsZ
— Andy Jehan ???????? (@AndyJehan) January 4, 2022
The islands will seem a little less brighter. However his light never dimmed no matter how dark it got for others to gain strength from. That light will live on in the many lives he touched. May the arms of all us wrap around Alan and his loved ones to comfort them today #RIPGarypic.twitter.com/GRkdxZr1sz
— Kevin (@KevinPamplin) January 2, 2022
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of @GaryBurgessCI .. He was a big supporter of JYP since it began and we we feel so honoured to have had him in to deliver some training last year. Thoughts go out to his family. ❤️ https://t.co/F5tGmjakkL
— Jersey Youth Parliament (@JeYthParliament) January 4, 2022
Around the islands
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
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. #bemoreburgesshttps://t.co/OYEZnU1K5N
— Gavin St Pier ???????? (@gavinstpier) January 2, 2022
Privileged to have known you Gary.
Rest in Peace #BeMoreBurgesshttps://t.co/EzCO5zAIi5— Yvonne Burford (@YvonneBurford) 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
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
The business world
I’ll remember Gary most for his courage, optimism and zest for life and know that his journalism will be sorely missed across the CI. He was like no-one else. Sincere condolences to Gary’s family and friends.
— Jennifer Carnegie (@JenCarnegie) January 2, 2022
A huge loss to our islands. Sincere condolences to his husband Alan, just cannot imagine what it must be like to have lost Gary from your life. RIP @GaryBurgessCI you will be sorely missed. https://t.co/Pawq6k2xj5
— Kevin Keen (@keenjersey) January 2, 2022
The islands have lost somebody incredibly special. A gifted and talented journalist but above all else a genuine, honest and terribly all round good human being. Thoughts are with Gary’s family and friends. #BeMoreBurgesspic.twitter.com/ytuguwCkoH
— Mark Cox (@MarkCoxJsy) January 2, 2022
Gary was a much loved colleague and friend to the team @DigitalJersey, hosting events, writing content, media training & advising on many issues. I can think of no better example of his professionalism, enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity than this video https://t.co/rwepaqr7iV
— Tony Moretta (@TonyMoretta) January 2, 2022
At peace now @GaryBurgessCI – a true professional & all-round top bloke! Fly high Mr B – our deepest condolences to your husband, family, friends & colleagues #BeMoreBurgesspic.twitter.com/3KMdJHVlw1
— Ports of Jersey (@PortsofJersey) January 2, 2022
The community
This man was such a bright light, sunshine in human form. Sleep well @GaryBurgessCI ???? Sending my thoughts and prayers to his soulmate Alan x pic.twitter.com/5E0hRZpqLW
— Georgi Mottram (@GeorgiMottram) January 2, 2022
So sad. Many condolences to Alan and all your loved ones from all the @StatesLgbt and wider LGBT + community of Jersey and the @LGBTpoliceuk Network; a genuine inspiration and respected by all. RIP @GaryBurgessCI ???????? https://t.co/1iPfxIz6AO
— States Of Jersey Police LGBT+ (@StatesLgbt) January 2, 2022
As we raise a glass to absent friends ( & family ) we sadly now need to include @GaryBurgessCI
A journalist and natural communicator that connected with people and made a difference in so many ways.
He will be greatly missed.
Thoughts to family and friends.— Stormtrooper Jersey (@stormjersey) January 2, 2022
Very very much saddened to hear of the passing of @GaryBurgessCI, someone who genuinely wanted those in power to be accountable. A beacon of inspiration since his diagnoses and a man who will greatly missed. Jersey is poorer without him.
— William Jersey (@EarlofJersey) January 2, 2022
Very sad to hear reports that @GaryBurgessCI has left us.What an inspiring role model he has been & what a great legacy he has left. A great supporter & voice for the need for our new school,he sadly never got to see it for himself.Thoughts are with all those who loved him. https://t.co/7rl9m9RvY7
— Les Quennevais Sch (@LesQuennevaisSc) January 2, 2022
We are all so saddened by this news ???????????? All we can say is #bemoreburgesshttps://t.co/bRKTwLUD2J
— Green Goose Jersey (@greengoosejsy) January 2, 2022
???? Gary was an incredible person. I was in awe of him – his honesty and outlook. He was also an amazing journalist who always held our politicians to account.
Gary, thank you for your wise words and for your kindness.
My thoughts are with Alan and family.
#BeMoreBurgess ❤ https://t.co/w6OnfBxT9b— Island Living 365 (@islandliving365) January 2, 2022
Very saddened to hear this news today. Heaven has gained one heck of a man. Let’s all #BeMoreBurgess in 2022! https://t.co/OdE7XjL1kR
— Dunells Premier Wine (@DunellsWines) January 2, 2022
We’ve gained another angel. What a beautiful inspirational man. Such a loss. My thoughts go out to Alan and all Gary’s friends and family. Let’s all try to #bemoreburgesshttps://t.co/AmidLaGhbL
— JerseyGirlAdventures (@jersey_girlblog) January 2, 2022
Such a huge loss. Gary’s coverage of the pandemic alone was a beacon well beyond Jersey. He showed integrity, pursued accountability and did it with great humanity. We were lucky to have known him https://t.co/XDNIyXzjpM
— Dr Matt Pope (@MatthewPope) January 2, 2022
When there are no words a picture will have to do❤️ #BeMoreBurgesspic.twitter.com/6rCBIui5F4
— Connor Burgher (@Connor_Burgher) January 2, 2022
Such a privilege to have worked and chortled with Gary Burgess over the past few years. We’re all going to miss you, your charm, incisivenesses and charisma terribly. No more needles now, Gary….#bemoreburgess
— Dr James Mair (@jamesmairjersey) January 2, 2022
We’ve lost a great journalist and an inspirational man. I feel particularly for those who were close to him, but the loss is all of ours. https://t.co/JGtSqw8JpV
— Jonathan Renouf (@JonathanRenouf) January 2, 2022
The world is a less bright place without the truly brilliant Gary Burgess. He was the star of the show, no matter what programme he was broadcasting on. Even now, just thinking of him I smile. He cared. He really cared. And he was damn good fun to share an Espresso Martini with. https://t.co/uVN6ijlGSt
— James Webster (@JamesWebsterITV) January 2, 2022
Well-known names…
Very sad to hear that @GaryBurgessCI died yesterday. He faced his diagnosis with grace, humour and courage right until the end; humbling and awe inspiring to others. Sending love to his husband and family. XX
— Nerina Pallot (@ladychatterley) January 2, 2022
My love to his family and friends – I am so sorry for your loss. ???? https://t.co/xhNqbRfh1h
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) January 2, 2022
Sending so much love to Gary’s husband Alan, their family and friends, and especially his @ITVChannelTV family. The kindness shown to him today, and the heavy grief amongst those who knew him at ITV News is a true reflection of just how wonderful he was ???? https://t.co/KQBlQ4RgS5
— Charlene White (@CharleneWhite) January 2, 2022
The thoughts of the whole @itvnews family with the friends of one of our good colleagues @GaryBurgessCI – who has left us at too young an age. https://t.co/QXxOkHv9Mg
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) January 2, 2022
The media
You are a best friend, one of the most important people in my life; and I am really going to miss you @GaryBurgessCI.
Love always. pic.twitter.com/TNcGKRurhk
— Katie Chiang (@KatieChiangITV) 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
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
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
The world is a less bright place without the truly brilliant Gary Burgess. He was the star of the show, no matter what programme he was broadcasting on. Even now, just thinking of him I smile. He cared. He really cared. And he was damn good fun to share an Espresso Martini with. https://t.co/uVN6ijlGSt
— James Webster (@JamesWebsterITV) January 2, 2022
The world is a less bright place without the truly brilliant Gary Burgess. He was the star of the show, no matter what programme he was broadcasting on. Even now, just thinking of him I smile. He cared. He really cared. And he was damn good fun to share an Espresso Martini with. https://t.co/uVN6ijlGSt
— James Webster (@JamesWebsterITV) January 2, 2022
Paying tribute to @GaryBurgessCI on the radio across the islands this morning. As I savour my morning coffee I’ll remember with fondness our many chats and coffees over the years RIP https://t.co/WYAkRKhtTF
— Matthew Price (@matthewjersey) January 2, 2022
I’m so sad to hear this news.
I first met @GaryBurgessCI years ago at a press conference, and I remember thinking not only that he was a total pro and great journalist – someone to look up to – but also a lovely person who had time for everyone.
My view of him never changed. https://t.co/l4nGV4bxs0
— Freddie Miller (@FreddieCMMiller) January 2, 2022
Gary, you are one in a million. You were such a mentor for me, you taught me so much about believing in myself and of course, radio which is what you are so passionate about. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all. All my love goes to you, Gary. ❤️ #BeMoreBurgesspic.twitter.com/YbcLsyxRHi
— Darcy Kelly (@DarcyKateKelly) January 2, 2022
#BeeMoreBurgess ???? pic.twitter.com/Fm1sNHXdUS
— Alex Watson (@imalexwatson) January 2, 2022
The best friend, mentor and colleague I could have asked for.
RIP Gary. You leave a legacy which you can be proud of. https://t.co/tZSaksaxvX
— John Fernandez (@JohnFernandez1) January 2, 2022
A fond memory of Gary Burgess was ‘playing’ politicians as we rehearsed @itvnews coverage of #GE2015 with @AlStewartOBE.
Gary did wonderful impressions of Cameron, Miliband, Clegg and Farage.
A brilliant journalist. A friend to so many. We’ve lost a good ‘un. pic.twitter.com/xGQCuBc2ic— Richard Frediani (@BBCFrediani) January 2, 2022
Charity and chronic illness community
We are sorry to hear of Gary’s passing and send condolences to his family and friends.
Gary, who suffered with #MECFS as well as cancer, recorded a series of podcasts in collaboration with the @MEAssociation, these can be found here, https://t.co/WXa3SPkPYQhttps://t.co/akN6sdepZY
— Science for ME online forum (@s4me_info) January 2, 2022
An inspirational man who helped #pwME with his open and honest blogs. Thank you @GaryBurgessCI May you RIP???????? https://t.co/KmAIAnxLeI
— ????????M.E. Spoonie???????? (@MEspoonie9) January 2, 2022
More tributes to follow…