David Brooks Kurtz's Obituary
David Brooks Kurtz, 68, of Kendall, FL, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer.
David was a third generation Miamian, born in 1952 to Robert E. and Sally (Palmer) Kurtz. After graduating from Coral Gables High School, he pursued a career as a Tennis Professional. In this capacity, he worked for the city of Coral Gables, including opening the Biltmore Tennis Center. He also gave tennis lessons and was particularly good with children. He enjoyed inspiring them to love the game as well. He retired from the city in 2009.
As a young man, David’s hobbies included surfing and competition water skiing. He continued to play tennis at the Royal Palm Tennis Club, where he was a member for 17 years. He was an avid golfer and fisherman as well. David and Anita shared a passion for sailboat racing, primarily in Florida and the Bahamas. They also had many wonderful experiences cruising on chartered sailboats in the Abaco Islands and the British Virgin Islands. David was a life member and Past Commodore of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club.
David is survived by his wife and best friend of 28 years, Anita Hansen; brothers, Bascom (India) and Eric (Diana); nephews, Troy and Oliver; and many extended family members on both the Kurtz and Hansen sides.
David is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Sally; both sets of grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Brooks Kurtz (Bertha DuVall Houser) and Dr. and Mrs. Bascom H. Palmer (Helen Ericsson); and Schooner Wharf Kurtz V, his best canine friend. The Bascom Palmer Eye Institute was named after his grandfather, a renowned pioneer South Florida Ophthalmologist.
In lieu of flowers, please help in the fight against cancer with a contribution to the Miami Cancer Institute at
https://baptisthealthgiving.net/Foundation/donatenow. “Gift designation area” should specify Miami Cancer Institute, and tribute gift “In Memory Of” David Brooks Kurtz. The terrific team at the institute took wonderful care of David. To any who knit or crochet, donations of hats, scarves and shawls for the cancer patients are always welcome. Contact their volunteer office.
David was a very sociable, generous and helpful person, known and loved by many. He will be greatly missed. Memories shared on David’s Tribute Wall on his Van Orsdel Memorial Page would be greatly appreciated and comforting to Anita.
A celebration of life will be planned at a future date.
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