Gary Robert Govert

Gary Robert Govert, 62, died of cardiac arrest on Monday, January 19, 2015, with his wife keeping a loving and tender vigil by his side. He was born on April 28, 1952 to Robert and Joyce Govert, who survive him.

After serving in the Navy and remaining in awe of the bright, clear stars above the Pacific Ocean, Gary graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and the University Of North Carolina School Of Law. Gary began his career as a journalist, became a partner in the law firm of Smith, Helms, Mullis & Moore in Raleigh, and eventually joined the office of the State Attorney General, focusing on Consumer Protection and then Special Litigation.

Gary had prodigious gifts. He was a man of high intellect and clever wit, a discerning reader (especially of Flannery O’Connor), a true St. Louis Cardinals fan, a softball first-baseman with a stretch befitting his 6’3” frame, a respected colleague, and a committed and devoted member of Cary Presbyterian Church. He was a caring, congenial, humorous and wise friend, and, most significantly, a beloved husband, father, son, brother and uncle.

Gary has left behind his wife, Ellen Voss Govert, and his three children: Jeffrey Owen Govert and his fiancée Jenna St. Pierre, and 12-year-old twins Ian Robert and Sarah Flannery Govert. He is also survived by his parents and three siblings, Sue Giampietro, Tom Govert, Judy Stoltenberg, and their respective families. Gary is also deeply mourned by his family-by-marriage: David and Lynn Voss, Kate Voss, and Ian and Jane Voss Dunbar and their two children.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 23 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Cary Presbyterian Church, 614 Griffis Street, Cary, NC. The memorial service will be Saturday, January 24 at 2:00 p.m., also at Cary Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Gary’s memory may be made to Cary Presbyterian Church.

Condolences may be sent to: www.brownwynnecary.com