Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

The Governor’s office is saddened to announce the death of State Representative Gary McPherson of Aurora. Rep. McPherson was killed in plane crash Thursday evening near Kelowna, British Columbia.

He is survived by his wife Shelley and daughters Christina, 15, Elizabeth, 12, and Ashley, 8. Shelley McPherson is Governor Owens’ executive assistant, serving in that capacity since he took office, as well as for the four years he served as State Treasurer.

"Gary was one of my closest friends. He served Colorado exceptionally well and was very devoted to his family and state. I will miss him greatly, as will his family and his many friends all over Colorado," Owens said.

Rep. McPherson was attending a family reunion in Canada. He was piloting a single engine plane when the accident occurred about 40 miles outside of Kelowna, a city of about 90,000 people in British Columbia.

A resident of Aurora, Rep. McPherson had served in the Colorado House of Representatives since 1994. He was chosen as the Legislator of the Year by the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry in 1995.

He was born in Auburn, Washington on December 4, 1962.

Governor Owens has ordered state flags to fly at half staff in honor of Rep. McPherson. Details regarding services will be announced when they are finalized.

Contributions can be made to: Colorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, 19210 E. Breckenridge Ave. Stop 33, Buckley Air Force Base, Co 80011-9525

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