Richard William Gurich, M.D.

He was born in Orrville, Ohio to Richard and Lois Gurich. He attended Bethany College, where he was honored with a plaque as the Outstanding Chemistry Student of 1977, which still hangs today in the Chemistry Department. He then graduated summa cum laude, with a degree in Chemistry. Dr. Gurich then went on to graduate from Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, obtaining his medical degree in three years. He completed his internship and residency training in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University, and completed fellowship training in Nephrology at the University of California-San Francisco. It was during his time at Northwestern that he met and married his wife of 29 years, Joyce Conway.

Dr. Gurich held a faculty appointment at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas for 9 years. During this tenure, he ran two research labs, evaluating the role of the kidneys in blood pressure control. In addition to research, he performed clinical duties as an attending physician, and participated in medical resident education/training. He then moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to enter into private practice. He was a partner at Tuscaloosa Nephrology Associates/Tuscaloosa Home Dialysis for 18 years, providing dialysis and medical care to patients in West Alabama. He also served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Northport DCH in 1999. Dr. Gurich volunteered his time to provide Renal lectures to medical students at University of Alabama School of Medicine-Tuscaloosa Program, during their rotations at DCH Regional Medical Center. Dr. Gurich always said that teaching was the best part of his job.

Rich stayed active throughout his entire life. He loved to play golf and tennis, devoting most of his evenings to playing in various men’s leagues. He became active in the Tuscaloosa Tennis Association, forming many friendships during this time. He’ll always be remembered for his one-handed backhand and frustrating second serve. When not on the tennis court, Rich loved to be around the dinner table with his family and two dogs.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Joyce, his beloved two children, Trey and Jill, his loving daughter-in-law, Dianna Thomas Gurich, and his two faithful dogs, Sophie and Sadie. Also surviving him are his parents, Richard and Lois, his sisters, Nancy and Susan, his brother Dale and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be James M. Conway, John G. Conway, John Morgan Stephens IV, Mark Andrew Scogin Jr., Dan H. Schulze, Gary Ramdeen M.D., Reiner Goers, and James Mannah.

Honorary pallbearers are Tuscaloosa Nephrology Associates, Tuscaloosa Home Dialysis, DaVita Dialysis, Drs. Givhan, McKenzie and Lake, all DCH physicians and staff, the Tuscaloosa Tennis Association, and lastly, all of his patients.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dr. Richard William Gurich Memorial Fund at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Donations can be sent to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, 650 Clinic Drive, Mobile, Alabama 36688.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 13, 2012 at First Wesleyan Church from 6 to 8 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held 11 AM Friday, December 14, 2012 at First Wesleyan Church.