David J. Gurney

David Jonathan Gurney, a resident of East Aurora, died peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease on Tuesday, October 25 at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. He was 68.

Mr. Gurney, the son of Marie and David Gurney, was born in Buffalo on April 16, 1954. He graduated from Springville Griffith Institute in 1972, then attended SUNY Fredonia and SUNY Buffalo State College, earning a degree in theater from Buffalo State.

Mr. Gurney married Susan Dalgleish in his parent’s home in Collins Center on Sept. 14, 1980. The couple moved to East Aurora 32 years ago and raised two children here. Mr. Gurney’s son, David Alexander Gurney, known as Alex, predeceased him on Oct. 10, 2016.

Mr. Gurney was involved in the movie industry working for many production companies for over 20 years, before retiring for health reasons. He worked on many well-known movies as a grip/gaffer including “Air Force One,” “Seabiscuit,” “Mothman Prophecies,” “Julian Poe,” and “Wonder Boys.”

As an avid music and music production enthusiast, Mr. Gurney was involved with a musical festival at Kissing Bridge and was a part of Woodstock in the 1980s. He also sang with several local bands.

Mr. Gurney’s family describes him as a witty person who always had something to say. He was a fun, friendly man who knew so many people. A reliable friend, he was always willing to share his time and talents in any way needed. His laughter was infectious and he made people feel at home and welcomed. Never one to leave the house without a smile, he was often spotted at the West Falls Center for the Arts, Mister’s Bar and Lanes, and local music festivals. If it had anything to do with music, Mr. Gurney was there.

He is survived by wife Susan Gurney, daughter Jessica Gurney and granddaughter Kayla Marie Baines and his stepmother Patricia Gurney. He is also survived by three brothers Brett (Deborah) Gurney, Daniel (Mary Warren) Gurney and Jason (Tiffany Doyle) Helmbrecht; and nieces and nephews Matthew Gurney, Celia Gurney, Fiona Gurney, Lauren Welsh and Andrew Dalgleish.