Alan R. Gurd

ALAN ROBERT GURD, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, died on December 12, 2023, aged 83. Beloved husband of Ruth (nee Imrie); loving father of Andy (Kim), David (Marcy), Jennifer, and the late Alan John and Colin; dearest grandfather of Carolyn, Patrick, Catherine, Sean, Benjamin, and Molly; brother of Edna Maxwell and the late Rosemary McDowell. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Eveline Gurd. 

Alan was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on October 9, 1940. He attended Queen’s University where he not only excelled in the classroom but also as a star rugby player, eventually making the Irish team. During his time gaining his medical degree, he met a fellow medical student, Ruth Imrie, and they began their life together in 1966. His fellowship in Pediatric Orthopaedics was completed at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. The Troubles in Ireland, and a job offer to start a Pediatric Orthopaedic section at the Cleveland Clinic, brought the family to Bainbridge, Ohio, in 1976. He treated and helped many patients and families during this time and enjoyed 40 years on the sidelines as doctor for Kenston High School athletic teams. He loved serving locally but also treated patients and trained physicians in Ethiopia, Haiti, and Honduras. Treating patients with cerebral palsy and scoliosis was his passion and he worked closely with the United Cerebral Palsy organization. His faith in God grew stronger during his time at Valley Presbyterian Church. His fondness for rugby became Americanized and he became a loyal fan of The Ohio State Buckeye football team, enjoying cheering on his son (Andy) and grandson (Patrick) as they played for the Scarlet and Gray. Racquetball and fitness were a constant for Alan, but the golf course was where he had the most joy with his friends and family, especially at Sugarbush, OH, Fripp Island, SC, and Portstewart, N. Ireland. Alan was a loving husband and incredible father and grandfather. We are grateful to the staff at Judson’s Crane House for the care given to Alan over the past two and a half years. Alan will be missed, but we have peace knowing he is at home with the Lord.

Family and friends will be received for a Celebration of Life worship service at Valley Presbyterian Church, 17560 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls OH 44023, on Saturday January 27, 2024, at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to:

Kenston Athletic Boosters (https://kenstonlocal.org/kab/donate) 17419 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, OH, 44023.

United Cerebral Palsy (https://www.ucpcleveland.org/donate), 1374 Edendale St., Cleveland, OH  44121.

Valley Presbyterian Church, 17560 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.