David Fulbert Gamrasni

David F Gamrasni, of Vero Beach, Fl, New York City and Stockholm passed away on August 5, 2021 of Alzheimer's disease. He was born on May 29, 1934 in Sfax, Tunisia of a French father (Francois Gamrasni) and a Russian mother (Nina Kirkteff) and is survived by his beloved wife Gloria Bumsted Gamrasni and his children by his deceased wife (nee Kerstin Elin Ahlen) Andre Gamrasni and Nina La Conte as well as his step-children Alexandra Nimetz Rapaport and Lloyd Nimetz.

His life story is quite remarkable. After his family's olive oil plantation, one of the largest in Tunisia, was expropriated his father took the family back to France. David became an exchange student at Amherst College and when back in Paris met his 'to be fiancée' at a cooking school lecture. Then David did his French military service in the army as a translator. After marrying in Stockholm he received his mechanical engineering degree from the KTH in Stockholm. And despite being offered a future in the family business (Ahlen's department store chain) he wanted to make his own way in the world. So he decided to study at the Ecole des Etudes Industrielles in Lausanne, Switzerland where he sat next to George de Mestral, the inventor of Velcro. The rest is history. David acquired the patent and put Velcro on the world map, serving as VP and head of Velcro's licensing worldwide.

Creative, forceful, energetic and kind, David also pursued other business interests, generally in patent technology. Along the way though while living in Paris again he was asked to manage Comtesse Jacqueline de Ribes couture clothing business. A flourish and a dash...

An incurably fast walker and always ahead of schedule, David was a fascinating person, warm and affectionate, willing to share his stories of his life in Tunisia including the German bombings and the German occupation of their plantation, life in Paris and Stockholm and on the archipelago etc. He was also a talented painter and furniture maker.

David was a true friend, devoted husband and gentleman (usually with a jacket and tie). He loved his family and his life. His memory will be cherished forever.