Story ID: 095
Garmin Co-founder Burrell Passes
By: Jerry Siebenmark
Caption: Garmin co-founder and chairman emeritus Gary Burrell dies at 81.
Word Count: 286
Avionics and electronics manufacturer Garmin announced last month that co-founder and chairman emeritus Gary Burrell died at 81, leaving behind principles of innovation, vertical integration, faith in values, and devotion to superior products and services that have been the keys to Garmin’s success, according to the company. Burrell retired in 2002 but continued serving as chairman until 2004, when he was named chairman emeritus.

“His vision, values, engineering skills and commitment to serving our customers have been the foundation for the growth of our company,” Garmin co-founder Dr. Min Kao said. “It has been both a great privilege and a blessing to have known this amazing man, and I know his legacy will live on.”

Kao and Burrell founded the Olathe, Kansas-based company in 1989 to create products around Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with a handful of engineers that has since grown to more than 13,000 employees in 60 offices around the world. Burrell is credited by the company with leading the vision and development of a range of products that are industry staples including the G1000 integrated flight deck. 

Also, Burrell is credited with creating a culture in Garmin of sincerity, humanity, religious spirit and servant attitude. “While Gary will be remembered by many as one of the great entrepreneurs of our age, I will remember the unusual way in which he led our company, something he called servant leadership,” Garmin president and CEO Cliff Pemble said. “Whether it was about creating the best product or his behavior as a leader, Gary always considered the impact to others before himself. His example not only inspired my contribution to Garmin, it also positively influenced me as a husband and father.”
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