I met Gary in his role as a CMMI Certified Lead Appraiser and consider him to be the best of the 5-6 Lead Appraisers that I worked with over the years. He appreciated that not all development work fit nicely into the CMMI model. If an organization is maintaining existing software, there are still requirements, analysis, and testing, just like larger projects. Gary listened carefully and was good at resolving contentious discussions during appraisals. His humor and wit made working with him a joy.

Wishing "Fair Winds and Following Seas" to Gary and happy memories to his family. 

Gary was one cool uncle! Ever since I was young I have very fond memories of Gary’s positive energy, upbeat demeanor, and witty sense of humor. Smiles and laughter were inevitable in his presence, and the vibe was always lifted the moment he entered the room.

We miss Gary immensely but will always find joy in the many great memories we shared together.  We are thankful for every moment we had the pleasure to be with him over the years. While he has left our physical plane (too soon), his spirit lives on in our hearts ad infinitum. Rest in peace, Uncle Gary. You will always hold a very special place in the ancestry of our Norausky Clan!

- Austin Norausky 

Let’s remember a remarkable man – Gary !

Summing up how I think and feel about Gary is daunting: wondering whether these words can convey the depth and breadth of this man’s qualities and humanity.  It is clear he was loved by his family and special to a lot of people. He was a remarkable person. He was my friend. My condolences.

I met him in 1987 while working together. He was self-confident, smiling, and assertive. A demeanor that lets everyone know he was smart, well read, willing to take calculated chances, generous, yet private. He always seemed to give more in any interaction. He was willing to share his knowledge about the world, provide others with direction, and make a new friend in the journey. I am lucky and forever changed, he extended his hand to me. He was rare.  

Over the years we worked together in the same type of business – evaluating various organizations against best practices. How many people can say they were quintessential in the advancement of a body-of-knowledge? Or can say they wrote a book? Or can say they were key to ensuring that the foundations of a rare business community stay honest and strong? That was Gary!! He would share his information and knowledge freely, sometimes irreverently, but always kept those objectives in mind.

After he passed, I tried to write something for his web site, but the words were not there. It felt so awkward trying to write something that summed up Gary. He was as close to me as my brothers, a confidante who has known me over a topography of an era. I am grateful to have had his rare friendship all these years.  

My condolences to Gary's family there are few words that you can say when a love one transitions. 

I reflect back on July of 2019 when Gary and Debby welcomed us to the neighborhood. Gary always was a welcoming and kind person who passed on advise to me about  financial situations dealing with my home. I am forever grateful for that advise. Over the years he would always speak and provide celebratory words of encouragement to my sons for graduating from college. Gary and I would meet in the middle of the street and share pleasantries. I will miss that. Gary was indeed a good man and I am blessed to have crossed paths with him. He shared his medical condition with me and I was honored that he thought of me to share something so personal and private. Kindness is of virtue and Gary was just that a virtuous man. I salute you shellback brother and know that one day we will meet and share pleasantries again. 

To the family we send our prayers and hope that you will find solace in the days, months, and years ahead. 

The Murriel Family