David Elliott Gurvis

David Elliott Gurvis, 72, was born in Columbus, OH to Isadore and Shirley Gurvis. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and doctor. David studied Business at Ohio University with the plan of joining his father and brothers in the family business. Always one to walk his own path, he instead decided to study medicine and ultimately opened Avon Podiatry in Avon, IN to support an underserved community. He had a dedicated and loving staff that served with him for over 20 years. A generous doctor, he always helped those who could not pay and provided free assistance to residents of local group homes.

David loved knitting, riding his bike, photography, and spending time on the water. He was an avid reader including books and articles about ornithology, physics, advanced math, and astronomy. He had a wicked dry wit and never met an argument he wasn’t willing to participate in. A proud member of the Jewish community, David contributed many hours of his technical know-how to special projects in support of Congregation Beth Shalom. More than anything else he loved spending time with his grandsons Gavin (17), Jason (14), and Jaxon (4). They traveled together, enjoyed fishing all over the Midwest as well as at “Mister Mike’s,” and had lots of laughs. His grandsons had this to say:

Gavin:

I got to share a lot of memories with my grandpa. When we went to Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ohio, and more. We loved fishing and boating. He always loved to pull us in the tube on the boat. The fishing trip that stood out to us was the Striper trip in Kentucky. Even though he was an old man, he could still yank any fish in. I remember when the captain said there was a big fish on the line, he stood up immediately and said he wanted it. He was a very good man.

Jason:

My grandpa was a caring person. He would take us fishing and he didn’t care if he caught anything, he just wanted us to have a good time. I will miss hearing his loud slippers dragging across the floor and his iconic “hey dude” and “hey guy.” He taught me photography and knitting. He taught everyone Yiddish words they shouldn’t know. But he taught us all something good. For me, it was to always take care of your family.

David is preceded by his parents and his son, Joshua. He is survived by his wife, Mickie; daughter, Emily (Weston); siblings, Ronnie (Barb) Gurvis, Dale (Amy) Gurvis, and Cathy Gurvis; and other members of his extended family including Nina Weaver. He had a big, wonderful clan that is spread across the world - from cousins in Israel and Africa, to nieces and nephews in all corners of the U.S., and several life-long friends who will miss him.

If you are so moved, donations in David’s name can be made to Congregation Beth Shalom in Indianapolis or National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) .