Richard John McGurk

Richard J. McGurk took his permanent leave on May 21, 2024 at age 77 while in hospice in Columbus, Ohio. Born in Cincinnati, he grew up near Mt. Healthy and graduated from Mt. Healthy High School in 1965. He earned a BS in Geology from Michigan State University in 1969, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army in 1970

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Margaret (nee Yoder) McGurk, and is survived by his daughter Heather Fletcher of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; brother Michael McGurk of Lebanon, Ohio; sister Mary Pat McGurk of Kent, Washington; and the best friend a person can have Gary Conway of Columbus, Ohio.

Upon leaving active duty from the Army he moved to Columbus, Ohio to start an apprenticeship in the plumbing trade. He changed careers in 1979 to become a Law Enforcement Officer with The Ohio State University where he served with distinction for over 25 years. He was a firearms instructor and an accomplished marksman (Distinguished Expert). He earned several commendations during his career, including the Medal of Valor for bravely entering apartments in a burning building, and enduring heavy smoke and penetrating heat to evacuate several residents. Among his peers he was known for his honesty, fairness, integrity, and loyalty.

During and after his time with the police department he proudly served his country with many active-duty stints as an Army Reservist. He often requested deployment, and served his country with his assignments to Korea, Panama (Operation Just Cause), and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom).

Richard was a motorcycle enthusiast. He traveled throughout the United States with fellow riders and motorcycle clubs. He especially liked the Rocky Mountains, Alaska, and the National Parks. He was an adventurer at heart. Richard was a member of the local CMH.MOTO and Buckeye Beemers motorcycle clubs, the BMW Riders Association, and the American Motorcyclist Association. He was also a founding member of a satirical “motorcycle gang”, Denizens of Doom” whose motto was “Live to Flame, Flame to Live” – all in fun.

Richard loved the outdoors, and stayed fit by running marathons, hiking, biking, and walking 3 miles each day. He spent time on the Appalachian Trail and with his sense for adventure he traveled to England, Ireland, France, Italy, and Spain where he proudly completed El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail (34 days, 500 miles) – at age 61.

A longstanding member of the YinYue lunch group, The Gurkster will be remembered by his friends for his wit, intelligence, his generosity, and of course, for the love of his pet cat, Simba.

Rich lived a life of service, from an Altar Server in 2nd grade to serving those at Ohio State University, and patriotically serving our country as an officer in the US Army. Friends and family will miss him, but will find comfort in knowing he lived a life of dedication to service that made a difference to many.