Deniz Gurak, world traveler, athlete and social soul passed away on Friday, December 22nd at his home in Salem, NH at the age of 83.

Deniz was born in Giresun, Turkey, where his father served many years as the city's Mayor.  They later moved to Istanbul and he attended private school in Ankara.  There, he set a national record in track and field for the high jump.  He graduated from Robert College in Istanbul, Turkey where he made lifelong friendships.  After graduation, he served in the Turkish Honor Guard in Seoul, Korea.  While serving in Korea, he met and later married his soul mate.

After returning to the US, he and Vangie made Windham their home after some years on Beacon Hill in Boston.  Deniz worked 15+ years for Viasa Airlines in charge of the Boston Sales Office before joining his wife at Angora Travel Inc. which they founded in 1975.  He loved his family, especially his two grandsons and he was often found on the sidelines supporting them.

He cherished spending time with friends while enjoying a martini and playing cards.  Deniz was an exceptional storyteller and enjoyed telling the stories of his well lived life.   You would often leave a conversation with Deniz with your cheeks hurting from laugher.  He would be the first to tell you that he had a great life.

Deniz is survived by his daughter Lexie Gonzalez and son-in-law Tomas of Windham, two grandchildren Trey and Max of Windham, brother Esen Gurak of Ankara, Turkey, and niece Renay Costa of North Billerica.  He is predeceased by his wife of 45 years Evangeline "Vangie" (Mavris) Gurak, his parents Ihsan and Guzide (Ekran) Gurak and brother Engin Gurak.

There will be a private burial at Cemetery on the Plain in Windham, NH.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Jimmy Fund at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

To send a condolence message to the family, please visit his obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com