Gary Douglas Masse

TAMPA, Fla. — Gary Douglas Masse died on Sept. 5, 2020, in Tampa. He was 74 years old, being born on July 26, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His parents were Emmett Masse of Saxon, Wisconsin, and Eleanor (Johnson) of Wakefield, Michigan.

The family moved to Bessemer, Michigan, where he grew up. He graduated from the Bessemer schools and then attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, graduating in 1968 with a civil engineering degree. He served as student body president in his senior year. He also received his master’s degree in international finance at New York Univeristy.

Gary took a job with Exxon in their financial offices and worked for them for over 35 years until his retirement. He lived in many places as his job required, including New Jersey, Texas, England and Singapore. He also traveled to many countries such as Africa and South America as his job required.

In March 26, 1977, he married Barbara Vanden-Bulcke, they were married for 11 years, then later divorced. They had one son, Gregory (wife-Stacey), who survives him; and three grandchildren, Declan, Finnleigh and Evelyn.

Gary is also survived by a brother, Roger, in Oregon, a brother Phil, in Minnesota (wife, Millie), and a sister-in-law, Judy, in Minnesota. He’s survived by lots of cousins, nieces and nephews, and grandnephews and grandnieces. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Emmett and Eleanor, and his brother, Kenneth (married to Judy).

Gary enjoyed sailing in New Jersey and also on the Gulf of Mexico near Galveston. He was an avid skier that enjoyed skiing in Aspen, Colorado, and the Swiss Alps. He loved to read books and listen to country music. His favorite thing was to entertain his family and friends by cooking many exotic dishes and delicacies. His crepes and cinnamon rolls were a specialty to name a few. He had a great sense of humor and was fun to be around. His laughter will be missed, but never forgotten.