Obituary of Charles Kurland

Charles Kurland, age 91, a 20 year resident of Las Vegas, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017. Charles was born July 12, 1925 in Buffalo, NY to the late Abraham and the late Esther (Brown) Kurland. Chuck grew up in Buffalo, NY, where he was a three sport varsity letter holder. He enlisted in the Navy during WWII and was trained as a pilot. He attended Colgate University and University of Buffalo where he graduated with degrees in engineering and mathematics. He enjoyed a lifelong career as a professional engineer, initially at Bell Aircraft followed by a 35 year career as an automotive engineer at Chevrolet in Detroit, MI. In later years Chuck continued to share his lifetime of knowledge and experience as an engineering consultant in the automotive and boating industries. He was a member of the American Society of Automotive Engineers. Chuck and Elinor, "wifey," retired to Las Vegas in 1997 where he was a founding member of Temple Bet Emet where he frequently conducted services and blew the shofar. He was a 70 year member the Freemasons. Chuck was fond of the phrase "vini, vidi, vici," a good joke and a dry gin martini with a twist. Chuck is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elinor Kurland; their children, Jeffrey (Barbara) Kurland, Sherrill Kurland (Steven Smollens) and Nancy (Alan) Brenner; and five grandchildren, Ashley, Jeremy, Alexander, Amelia and Lily. A service will be held at 8:00 am on Friday, January 27, 2017 at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV. Contributions in Chuck's memory may be made to a veterans or other charitable organization of your choice. .