Gary Willis Burt

Gary Willis Burt of Walla Walla passed away on October 12, 2022, after a brief illness at the age of 75. He was born on July 31, 1947, to Ronald Gene and Eileen Dickinson Burt in Lewiston, Idaho. He spent his early years in Spokane before moving to Oakland, CA. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1964 and moved to Walla Walla, where he started working at Huntington-Cummings as a service person and was given the opportunity to attend the Agri-Chemical Business program at Columbia Basin College. He graduated with highest honors in 1969. He was a field man, first in the alfalfa seed area around Touchet and then moved on to other crops in the county. He worked with many farmers, in many cases, 2 or 3 generations of the same family. In 1989, he joined The McGregor Company and continued working with "his" farmers, many of whom became his friends. He received several awards throughout his career at McGregor's and, in 2000, received the Far West Agri-Business Association Award for Crop Advisor Stewardship. Shortly before his death, he remarked on how lucky he was to have had such a long career doing something he loved. He retired in early 2018 and turned his attention and passion for helping others to volunteering with Helpline, which he found fulfilling until his death.

In 1973, Gary married Krista Baker Cockerline and gained two daughters, who he loved as his own. Gary and Kris spent many hours attending the girls' sports and other events at DeSales High School. Gary didn't have to wait long to be a grandfather, one of his biggest joys. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and, with Kris, attended many of their sporting events and activities. Eventually, he and Kris purchased a second home in Boise to be closer to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always happy to hang out or do any activities the "gang" wanted to do, whether it was a trip to the movies or getting a Christmas tree. As a young man, Gary was active in sports himself, playing slow-pitch softball, golf, bowling, and fishing. He enjoyed occasional travel and went to Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico several times.

Gary is survived by his wife, Kris Burt of Walla Walla; daughters, Susan Cockerline (John) Williams and Elizabeth Cockerline Hill, both of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren, Christopher, Breanna, and Anthony Hill, Mikayla, Kendall, and Harrison Williams, and bonus granddaughter Anja (Derrick) Henry, all of Boise, Idaho; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Ken (Janet) Burt and Patty (Mike) Lockhart, both of Walla Walla, Nancy (Chuck) Moore, of Portland, OR, Jim (Marilyn) Burt, of Seattle, David (Gayle) Burt, of Richland, Don (Katherine) Burt, of Wenatchee, and Mark Witcher, of San Leandro, CA; aunt, Barbara Burt, of Pomeroy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Please join us in celebrating Gary's life on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Walla Walla Country Club. Contributions may be made to Helpline, 412 W Alder, Walla Walla, WA, or the charity of your choice.