David James Aurand

David James Aurand, age 77, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on October 19, 2025. He was born on April 1, 1948 in Dekalb, Illinois. He was the son of the late Lauella Marie Schleuniag and Harry Enoch Aurand. He was preceded in death by brothers, Wayne Lee Aurand and Calvin Aurand and sisters, Kathleen Marie Roach and Rose Mary Garcia.

He was first married to MaryLou Aurand for 50 years until her passing in 2017.

He is survived by his second wife, Beth Evans Aurand, his daughter, Sheryl Sinclair, as well as his grandchildren: Nicole, Jessica, Courtney and Joshua Lasiowski and great granddaughter, Kylie Lasiowski.

He was immensely loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

As an avid ornithophile, especially waterfowl, Wendell Berry’s poem resonates with the words of calm and patient presence that David both sought and personified.

The Peace of Wild Things

“When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound

In fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water,

and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

Who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.

I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light.

For a time I rest in the grace of the world and am free.”

David’s wishes were to be cremated and in lieu of a funeral, there will be a private celebration of his life amongst his family.