Boris Gurman dedicated his life doing what he was good at. Boris was a mechanic and was content doing what made him happy – repairing what was damaged, nurturing his garden, and chatting with anyone who happened to be in front of him. Boris may have had trouble finding words sometimes, but one thing that never escaped anyone who knew Boris was his warmth.
At his side in life was his wife, Sofia Gurman, who was remembered for her calm, strong, and quietly commanding presence. Sofia had confidence in spades, commanding the respect of all around her without demanding it. Throughout her childhood and into her adulthood, she was someone who moved through life with purpose. She was someone whom people trusted instinctively. She was a leader because of her character, not because she imposed her will on anyone else.
That shared strength, Boris’s protective instincts combined with Sofia’s strength of will, was evident in their final moments
Even when a life-threatening situation unfolded at Bondi Beach, Boris and Sofia refused to look away. As described in their family background, it felt natural to both of them to move forward in an attempt to shield others. Boris, 69 years of age, went head-to-head with the offender. Footage of the incident depicts Boris grappling with some of the perpetrators, prevailing over them until both landed on the road. Boris still got back on his feet after this.
The subsequent chaos saw the individual allegedly retrieve a second item with which he took the lives of both Boris and Sofia, who was only 61 years old.
Boris died in Sofia’s embrace.
In their last moments, they were together – just as they had been in almost all of the chapters of their lives.
Their child would later relate how the parents’ history of strength was one thing, but not the strength they were about to demonstrate on this day. Years prior, Boris and Sofia had packed up and moved to Sydney, taking almost nothing but strength and hope. Through strength and hard work, they had built a home filled with strength, but a strength of generosity, of caring, of warmth – where others felt welcome, where they felt safe.
Boris and Sofia were married for almost 35 years. They were the perfect couple. They were getting ready to celebrate Sofia’s birthday and 35 years of marriage in January, but now, all is overshadowed by love and heartbreak.
Those who knew the pair attest that this was not a remarkable act seen for who these individuals were but rather the continuation that was expected. Their lifetime commitment and displays of care and courage for others had fully prepared them for this final act. Boris and Sofia Gurman will be remembered as loyal parents, loving partners, and beloved members of society.
