Alan R. Gurd, MD
1940 - 2023
Dr. Alan R. Gurd of Chagrin Falls, OH passed away on Tuesday, December 12. He was a POSNA member for 40 years.
Dr. Gurd 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 an offer to start a pediatric orthopaedic section at the Cleveland Clinic brought the family to Bainbridge, OH, in 1976. Dr. Gurd treated and helped many patients and families during this time and enjoyed 40 years on the sidelines as a 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.
Dr. Gurd is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Andy (Kim), David (Marcy), Jennifer, and the late Alan John and Colin; and many grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life worship service will be held at Valley Presbyterian Church, 17560 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Kenston Athletic Boosters, 17419 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, OH, 44023; United Cerebral Palsy, 1374 Edendale St., Cleveland, OH 44121; or Valley Presbyterian Church, 17560 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
