My heart is broken...David Kocurek passed away on Tuesday. He beat the first stroke, but not the second one and he had other complications. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's and dysautonomia, as well. Sadly, it wasn't until the last few months of David's life before he realized he had mast cell disease. He believed he likely inherited Ehler's-Danlos Syndrome and knew of its high association with POTS/dysautonomia. He understood the EDS/MCAS/SM connection with chronic infections.
He is a member of ILADS and participated on MMI (a listserv of doctors called Microbes and Mental Illness). He has been a trusted friend and colleague from the time I met him in 2006. His non-profit is Stand Up for Lyme. He had a heart of gold and would spend countless hours on the phone with patients. He was a brilliant strategist when it came to advocacy and legislation, and his knowledge of medical science was superior. He was a close loyal friend and supported my endeavors. His family and I are devastated over the loss, but are relieved he no longer is suffering.
Below is the obituary his family wrote.
Best regards,
Lisa
Lisa Torrey
President
National Tick-Borne Disease Advocates
www.nt-bda.org
President
National Tick-Borne Disease Advocates
www.nt-bda.org
James David Kocurek, Ph.D. age 67, died in Grapevine, Texas on April 13, 2016.
Born November 18, 1948 in Houston, Texas, David lived in Colleyville, Texas. He was President of Flight Technologies, Inc. and had a number of other business interests. He began his career at Bell Helicopter in 1974.
He is survived by: his wife of 50 years, Kathryn, son Aaron his wife Dana and their daughter Lilah of Austin, Texas, son Nathan his wife Shir and their daughter Mila of Boston, Massachusetts, daughter Julie her husband Mark and children Mary Kate and Nicholas of The Woodlands, Texas and brother Jerry of Galveston, Texas.
A graduate of Texas A&M, Class of 1971, David was proud that all of three his children and his son-in-law were also Aggies. An Aerospace Engineer by profession, David had a life long love of music and was an accomplished trumpet player. At the time of his death he was a passionate advocate for Lyme disease patients. He fought tirelessly for patient rights and education.
Services will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Colleyville, Texas on April 21, 2016 at 1 PM. There will be a visitation at 12 PM and a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome at:
ILADS
Ph# 301-263-1080
Bay Area Lyme Foundation
884 Portola Road; Suite A7
Ph# 650-530-2439
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