Gary Andrew Wuertz

Gary Andrew Wuertz passed away at his home in Richmond, Virginia on March 29, 2025, aged 78, of glioblastoma.

 

 

Predeceased by his parents Andrew and Katherine (née Heit) Wuertz of Hudson, Colorado, he is survived and greatly missed by his wife of 50 years, Barbara (née Brent) Wuertz, sister Sandi Amen (husband Joe), brother Michael Wuertz, along with nieces and nephews Jarod Amen, Kaitlin Amen, Andy Wuertz, Rusty Katherine Harris, and Tracie Pollet Paschall.

 

 

Born in Brighton, Colorado on August 28, 1946, Gary grew up on his family’s farm in Hudson, Colorado, where his constant fascination with how things work spurred him to carry out a number of exciting home science experiments — much to the family’s consternation. 

 

Gary served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970, as an infantry soldier with the 2nd/35th Infantry Regiment, receiving the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat during an ambush on 10 June 1969. He always felt his greater contribution came with deployment as a Civil Affairs goodwill ambassador among the indigenous Montagnard people of the Central Highlands through the second part of his tour. As a medic on the Civil Affairs team, Gary saved several  Montagnard lives. 

 

 

In October 2023, Gary volunteered to record a video interview with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture to share the story of his Vietnam experience :

 

Link to Gary's Vietnam story on YouTube

 

 

Gary earned an MSc in Mathematics/Physics from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1976, although his insatiable drive to know how things work subsequently led to his life-long career as a self-taught, independent software developer.  As a Trouble-Shooter-for-Hire, Gary worked successfully on many complex projects across a variety of locations in the USA and Canada.  

 

Gary loved sharing his home with friends, new and old, near and far, and his dining room was often the scene of long, leisurely dinner gatherings. He was even known at times to fire up his BBQ in the dark and rain to help prepare a memorable meal. In retirement, Gary enjoyed having more time for cooking experiments, and also designed a unique recipe app so Barbara could manage their recipe collection. 

 

 

Throughout his life, Gary thrived on the adventure of meeting new people, exploring new places, and solving challenging problems.

 

 

At Gary’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers or donations, please extend an act of kindness to someone whenever you can.