Obituary of Rudolph Gand

Rudolph Gand of Bedford died Friday, July 12, 2013 at the age of 89 years. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Joan Barbara Gand. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Theresa Gand; his two daughters, Julie Linhart (Randolph), Laura Covill; five grandchildren, Anna, Rachel, Randolph Linhart, Paul (Bridget) & Alex Covill; and his three great grandchildren, Hunter, Kinley & Jackson Covill; as well as a cousin, Evelyn Lund. Mr. Gand was born in Germany immigrating to the United States with his family when he was 3 years old. He grew up in New York City and graduated from New York City Schools. He soon was drafted into World War II and served for 2 years in the U. S. Army in the Pacific earning the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Mr. Gand worked for thirty-three years for Columbia University in New York in their Radiological research lab as a designer retiring in 1989. During his time at Columbia University, he worked closely with an orthopaedic surgery team designing hip & knee joints for total hip & knee arthroplasties. Mr. Gand enjoyed nature and was an avid bow hunter. His hobby was building and restoring rifles and he was a member of the Roanoke & Bedford Gun Clubs. He was well known by family & friends for his stories of the depression, World War II and his life experiences. Memorial Gifts in his memory may be given to the Disabled American Veterans, Bedford Lifesaving Crew or Habitat for Humanity. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 11 AM at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Mark Flores officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 6 until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.