Gary Southby Obituary
Gary Southby, husband of Heather Veronica (Pfeifer) Southby, of Glastonbury, passed away at 73 on Friday, September 13th, 2019. He died of complications from cancer but lived 14 years beyond prognoses, with extraordinary quality of life up until four days prior to death. He credited this to Essiac Tea and homeopathic remedies in conjunction with the Heme-Oncology Medical team of Hartford Healthcare.
Born in Ithica, New York June 14th, 1946. He earned his USCG Master Seaman Certificate and 100-ton License of Pure Sail. He was a world-class sailor and member of the Santa Cruz Yacht Club since 1980. He drove the press boat for the America’s Cup Race, 1992; and sailed boats back to the United States after the Vic-Maui and prestigious around-the-world races from 1980 until the early 1990s. He owned Offshore Systems, Inc., a yacht systems repair, design, and installation company for mega-yachts and cruise-ships.
He married Lt. Com. H. Veronica Pfeifer, USN, on September 13th 1997, on Nantucket Island. A US Navy Officer, Veronica owned the schooner “Puff” in which the two won the Americas’ Schooner Cup Race, (C-Class Division) and were the reigning champions from 1998-2001, San Diego, Calif.
Gary leaves a legacy of world-class sailing and seamanship to his beloved two sons, Gordon “Mac” Southby (age 15), and Gary “Augie” Southby (age 14). He departed on his 22nd wedding anniversary! A burial service will be held at Buckingham Cemetery, Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 at 11:00 am. Refreshments will be served afterward at the Southby homestead: 136 Heritage Drive in Glastonbury.
Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Gary Southby to pay them a last tribute. You may also light a candle in honor of Gary Southby.
