George E. Burgher

George Edward Burgher, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and good friend, passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. George was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on August 10, 1922, to George Edward and Stella Marie (Higgins) Burgher, the third of four children. George grew up in Tulsa and Mattoon, Illinois, as the son of a wildcatter spent time at the University of Illinois and the University of Florida before graduating from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, in 1946. His college years were interrupted by World War II, where George proudly served stateside in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1942-1946.

George enjoyed a remarkable and storied career in the oil and gas business, starting out as a mud logger for Baroid working drilling rigs on the King Ranch. He became a junior landman for Stanolind in 1948, moving to Houston and charting a path that would take him around the world many times during the ensuing 40 years. George spent 32 years with Tenneco Oil Company, most of those as Manager of International Negotiations. He met many heads of state during his travels and negotiations, including Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, Gamel Abdul Nasser of Egypt, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, and many others. After he retired from Tenneco, George continued to negotiate and participate in international exploration deals as a partner with ECI, and then later as an independent consultant and participant in deals as late as 2016.

George was a member and former president of the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN). He was also a longtime member of the Houston Association for Professional Landmen (HAPL), and in 2009 was named the Senior Landman of the Year. He was a longtime member of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen (AAPL), as well as the Petroleum Club of Houston and the Houston Racquet Club.

George enjoyed many hobbies and interests, including photography, tennis, and deer and bird hunting with Rob and their friends. His membership at the Houston Racquet Club provided him with years of tennis leagues and tournaments, as well as a standing weekly lunch date with his fellow tennis players. He had a sharp mind and a sharper wit, and considered it a personal triumph when he could finish (IN INK) the Saturday Chronicle crossword puzzle. George was a lifelong writer and poet, and during the past five years he authored three books on the oil and gas industry, one memoir, and a book of poetry.

George was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Rob. He is survived by daughters Elaine Burgher (Suzanne Jerrett), Ellen Williams (Mike), Lisa Haws (Kelly); son Brian Burgher (Tiffany); and eight adoring grandchildren: Brooke Gibbs (Tracy); Libby Burgher; Shelby Burgher; Blake Barnett; Hannah Haws; Henry Haws; Sarah Lavin-Burgher; and Ryan Lavin-Burgher. He also leaves behind special friend Carol McGregor, as well as many good friends at The Forum at Memorial Woods, where he was known for, among other things, his heartfelt poetic eulogies that he penned when a Forum resident passed away.

The family would like to thank Cecilia Chambers for the loving and conscientious care she provided to George. The family also wants to thank Dr. Pat Cook and his assistant Sandy for the outstanding medical care of George’s heart throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association.