With much regret, PianoDisc & Mason & Hamlin reports the passing of company founder and president, Gary Burgett. Mr. Burgett passed away at his home in Sacramento, CA of natural causes; he was 65. A high-profile figure in the piano industry, Mr. Burgett was known for his affable style, strong work ethic, enthusiasm and his sincere respect for all industry partners that he worked with and was well-loved by the staff of PianoDisc & Mason & Hamlin. He will be greatly missed and his memory and legacy lives on in those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Gary’s brother Kirk Burgett, co-owner and President of both PianoDisc and Mason & Hamlin will continue to oversee executive management and daily operations of both companies with no other changes in management structure. Condolences may be sent to PianoDisc, 4111 N. Freeway Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95834.
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Jan Nijhuis May 13, 2015
Sad news of the passing of Gary Burgett. It was not without controversy when the brothers fought for and acquired ownership of the Mason & Hamlin company; all that they have done has been stellar since then. I trust the success of the products of PianoDisc, Mason & Hamlin and WNG will continue under Kirk’s management.
My heartfelt condolances to the family and the extended family in the piano business.
Stephen Merritt May 13, 2015
I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. Gary was an early champion of my performance career and was a kind and generous soul. I will miss him greatly.
Maria C. Vazquez de Spitler May 13, 2015
I knew Gary and his Mother Violet best while my son, Stephen A. Merritt worked at Piano Disc. They were so kind to us both. I grieve their passing. I remember Gary’s humility and gracious manners. May you rest in peace, dear Gary.
Jeffrey Vorce May 14, 2015
To Kirk, family and the greater M&H Family, I am deeply saddened in the passing of Gary, he was a wonderful individual, and I was honored to know and work for him. His great smile, his warmth and his genuine love made working for M&H a pleasure. Please know that the M&H family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time. My heartfelt condolances to the whole family.
Bill June 2, 2015
Gary was a dear and generous teacher and friend to me. I was always impressed at how grounded he was in his faith. It was his source of strength and purpose in life. Always upbeat and positive. Every person he ever met, he tried to have a positive impact on and I believe he succeeded in every instance I ever witnessed. I still remember my first piano lesson in the basement of a music store on Mill Street in Grass Valley CA about 4 decades ago. In subsequent years as his student and later working for him as an employee of PianoDisc, I still remember the heated back-and-forth arguments about the existence of God and his passion for the subject. He was always persistent in his mission to save my soul and that mission lasted for as long as I knew him. He was a man doing what he believed was right in his heart and I really respected that, even if I didn’t agree with his views. Anyway, my sincere condolences to Kirk and his family and friends.
Kirk, if you happen to read this and need a laugh, well I hope it’s a laugh at this point, maybe you recall the time i was working on the NAMM display and the whole kit and caboodle fell over BOOM on top of all those pianos in the storeroom. I think you guys were ready to kill me that day and for good reason. Oh, the expression on Gary’s face. Anyway, I have many good memories of you guys and even the not so good ones (e.g., like when the boxed 12 ft grand fell over on top of me or my many botched recitals), that have turned into good memories with the passage of time. I’ll never forget my friend Gary Burgett. I am sorry I was not able to attend his service as i just learned of this a few hours ago.
Bill