Gary Burchett

Gary Burchett lost his two-year battle with cancer on Friday, November 2, 2007. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home. He was 66.

He was born on August 23, 1941, in Fallbrook, CA. He attended all Fallbrook schools and graduated from Fallbrook High in the class of 1959. After a four-year courtship he married Dawn Briesacker on New Year’s Eve 1962. They lived here all their married life.

One of his passions became his career and he became a licensed general contractor of heavy equipment. He started Agri-Cat in 1971 and truly loved what he did.

Gary was heavily involved in community affairs, including coaching Little League Baseball, for which he donated his time and equipment to build the Ingold Youth Baseball Park in Fallbrook. He served as president for numerous years of the Fallbrook Optimist Club and continued the tradition of the Fallbrook Youth Fair that was started by his father in 1955. He also served as Lt. Governor of the Southern Region of California for the International Optimist Club. In addition, he helped start and organize what is today known as the Men’s Softball League.

Gary was also a president and a board member of Ag Boosters in Fallbrook, where he also donated time and equipment to build the two barns at the Ag Department at Fallbrook High School. He served also as president and board member of the Athletic Boosters at Fallbrook High, creating the senior medals for all seniors who participated in sports. He was also contracted by the California Department of Forestry and he was Strike Team No. 1, fighting wildfires all over the state, cutting fire lines and helping to save numerous homes for many years.

His passions included flying; he was an avid fisherman and a fanatical Charger fan. He loved his team win or lose, having season tickets for many years. He loved to be with his kids when they were showing animals when they were young, but his greatest joy was the love of his family, kids and grandchildren.

A celebration of life took place in August for his 66th birthday and many of his friends and family were able to show him while he was here what he meant as a friend, father, grandfather, brother, son and valuable member of the community. He was a loyal friend, an excellent father, gave always and without question and was a true gentleman.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Chipp Burchett. He is survived by his father, Harold Burchett, and brother, Gene Burchett.

He is also survived by his wife of 45 years, Dawn Burchett; son Greg Burchett; daughters Tashia Burchett Miner and Timeree Burchett Kristell; sons-in-law Kevin Kristell and Tom Miner; daughter-in-law Lori Burchett; grandchildren Kenton, Kailee, Brenna, Gregory and Garrison; and grandchildren through marriage Brandon, Ashley, Jordan and Nick.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 17, at Fallbrook Christian Church, 318 West Fig Street. Refreshments will follow in the church’s Community Hall. More information can be found at http://garyburchett.googlepages.com/home.

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary is handling the arrangements.