In Memoriam

IN MEMORIAM

RENÉ GURKA
1971 - 2019

IN MEMORIAM

RENÉ GURKA
1971 - 2019

René-Gurka-in-memoriam-2
René-Gurka-in-memoriam-3

It is with deep regret that we must relay of the passing of René Gurka, BigRep’s founder and former CEO.

René was a true visionary – full of excitement, warmth, quick-witted humor and charisma. He inspired everyone around him to achieve the unimaginable and was a leader who we at BigRep were infinitely fortunate to have.

Born in 1971 in the North Germany town of Varel (Friesland), he grew up in Wickede an der Ruhr. Later, he studied business law in Osnabrück before settling in Berlin. René was an energetic entrepreneur and imaginative creator. He brought his incredible energy to global leadership positions as Managing Director of the German American Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco, California and of Berlin Partner GmbH, promoting the city as a leading hub for business and technology around the world.

René energized BigRep as a global brand from its foundation. He brought his personality and global thinking to the company’s core. René’s spirit lives on at BigRep where his limitless energy continues to fuel the daily lives of everyone there.

We cannot imagine what BigRep and all our daily lives would look like without René’s influence on the company and its employees. There are no words that can properly convey the incredible impact and inspiration that René had on the spaces he lived his life and his lasting influence on those around the world who were blessed to know him and remain dedicated to his ideas.

Our thoughts are with René’s family.
We are committed to fulfilling his vision for BigRep.

In tiefer Trauer und mit großem Bedauern müssen wir leider mitteilen, dass Herr René Gurka, der Gründer der BigRep GmbH und ihr früherer CEO, nach langer Krankheit verstorben ist.

René Gurka war ein echter Visionär – charismatisch und begeisterungsfähig; ein Schnelldenker mit unglaublich scharfem Verstand und zugleich warmherzig. Für alle, die ihn erlebten und mit ihm zusammenarbeiteten, war er eine Quelle der Inspiration: Wir alle bei BigRep schätzen uns glücklich ihn gekannt zu haben.

René Gurka wurde 1971 im norddeutschen Varel / Friesland geboren und wuchs in Wickede an der Ruhr auf. Später studierte er Wirtschaftsrecht in Osnabrück und ging dann nach Berlin. René war ein ungemein dynamischer Unternehmer, ein ideenreicher, kreativ Schaffender. Er brachte seine unglaubliche, ansteckende Energie in internationale Führungspositionen ein; zunächst als Managing Director der Deutsch-Amerikanischen Handelskammer in San Francisco und schließlich als Geschäftsführer der Berlin Partner GmbH. Hier vermarktete er Berlin rund um die Welt als attraktiven Wirtschafts- und Technologiestandort.

Als Gründer der BigRep GmbH richtete er das Unternehmen vom ersten Tag an gezielt als globale Marke aus und hat mit seiner Persönlichkeit und seiner weltläufigen Zugewandtheit die Unternehmenskultur bis heutegeprägt. Seine schier unbegrenzte Energie motiviert uns alle bei BigRep auch jetzt noch.

Es ist für uns kaum vorstellbar, wie BigRep und unser Arbeitsleben ohne die unternehmerische Prägung von René Gurka und seine Wirkung auf die Mitarbeiter/innen heute aussähe: Den enormen Einfluss und die Inspiration, die René Gurka in seinem Leben auszeichnete; die Art, wie er alle, die das Glück hatten, ihn kennen zu dürfen, nachhaltig prägte, so dass sie bis heute seinen Gedanken verpflichtet sind – all das lässt sich nicht in Worte fassen.

Unsere Gedanken sind bei der Familie von René Gurka.

Die große BigRep-Familie, wir alle, wollen auch künftig seine Vision für BigRep verwirklichen.

It is with deep regret that we must relay of the passing of René Gurka, BigRep’s founder and former CEO.

René was a true visionary – full of excitement, warmth, quick-witted humor and charisma. He inspired everyone around him to achieve the unimaginable and was a leader who we at BigRep were infinitely fortunate to have.

Born in 1971 in the North Germany town of Varel (Friesland), he grew up in Wickede an der Ruhr. Later, he studied business law in Osnabrück before settling in Berlin. René was an energetic entrepreneur and imaginative creator. He brought his incredible energy to global leadership positions as Managing Director of the German American Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco, California and of Berlin Partner GmbH, promoting the city as a leading hub for business and technology around the world.

René energized BigRep as a global brand from its foundation. He brought his personality and global thinking to the company’s core. René’s spirit lives on at BigRep where his limitless energy continues to fuel the daily lives of everyone there.

We cannot imagine what BigRep and all our daily lives would look like without René’s influence on the company and its employees. There are no words that can properly convey the incredible impact and inspiration that René had on the spaces he lived his life and his lasting influence on those around the world who were blessed to know him and remain dedicated to his ideas.

Our thoughts are with René’s family.
We are committed to fulfilling his vision for BigRep.

In tiefer Trauer und mit großem Bedauern müssen wir leider mitteilen, dass Herr René Gurka, der Gründer der BigRep GmbH und ihr früherer CEO, nach langer Krankheit verstorben ist.

René Gurka war ein echter Visionär – charismatisch und begeisterungsfähig; ein Schnelldenker mit unglaublich scharfem Verstand und zugleich warmherzig. Für alle, die ihn erlebten und mit ihm zusammenarbeiteten, war er eine Quelle der Inspiration: Wir alle bei BigRep schätzen uns glücklich ihn gekannt zu haben.

René Gurka wurde 1971 im norddeutschen Varel / Friesland geboren und wuchs in Wickede an der Ruhr auf. Später studierte er Wirtschaftsrecht in Osnabrück und ging dann nach Berlin. René war ein ungemein dynamischer Unternehmer, ein ideenreicher, kreativ Schaffender. Er brachte seine unglaubliche, ansteckende Energie in internationale Führungspositionen ein; zunächst als Managing Director der Deutsch-Amerikanischen Handelskammer in San Francisco und schließlich als Geschäftsführer der Berlin Partner GmbH. Hier vermarktete er Berlin rund um die Welt als attraktiven Wirtschafts- und Technologiestandort.

Als Gründer der BigRep GmbH richtete er das Unternehmen vom ersten Tag an gezielt als globale Marke aus und hat mit seiner Persönlichkeit und seiner weltläufigen Zugewandtheit die Unternehmenskultur bis heutegeprägt. Seine schier unbegrenzte Energie motiviert uns alle bei BigRep auch jetzt noch.

Es ist für uns kaum vorstellbar, wie BigRep und unser Arbeitsleben ohne die unternehmerische Prägung von René Gurka und seine Wirkung auf die Mitarbeiter/innen heute aussähe: Den enormen Einfluss und die Inspiration, die René Gurka in seinem Leben auszeichnete; die Art, wie er alle, die das Glück hatten, ihn kennen zu dürfen, nachhaltig prägte, so dass sie bis heute seinen Gedanken verpflichtet sind – all das lässt sich nicht in Worte fassen.

Unsere Gedanken sind bei der Familie von René Gurka.

Die große BigRep-Familie, wir alle, wollen auch künftig seine Vision für BigRep verwirklichen.

"OUR VISION IS TO CHANGE THE WORLD"

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72 entries.
Marco (S) wrote on August 7, 2019 at 10:21 am
Every time I saw René, he transmitted a brutal amount of positive energy to me and to everyone he had around him. Thank you for the things I have learnt from you, even though I only saw you a few times, they were very valuable. You will be present as long as all the impact you have had is lasting. Thank you for inspiring so many people <3
Erwin Meinders wrote on August 7, 2019 at 9:31 am
My sincere condolences to Rene’s family, BigRep team and friends. We lost a great visionary leader. He truly believed in the concept of continuous industrial 3D printing and I had the privilege to work with him on this endeavor. His energy and dedication were endless. Rene, thanks for the great time, I'm grateful knowing you!
Rob Keogh wrote on August 7, 2019 at 9:04 am
Terrible loss! Every time I met with Rene at Big Rep and at shows, his open, honest, relaxed, calm, fun character was truly refreshing. Thoughts and condolences to all his family, colleagues and friends.
Markus Bucher wrote on August 7, 2019 at 8:56 am
Dear Rene, thank you for the time that I was able to work on your side and share your vision. The time with you has made me grow as a person and also in my professional environment. Your positive energy and drive were very inspiring. I will never forget the endless nights talking about the world in our offsite meetings. Thank you for being a great leader and my sincere condolences to your family.
Pascal Schreiber wrote on August 7, 2019 at 8:32 am
When I met René the first time I was immediately sure that I want to work for this guy. After that we worked together for 2.5 years at BigRep. A wonderful and unforgettable time. I’m sure he will stay in the minds of thousands! Thankful for everything he has achieved and in deepest condolences to the family and closest friends.
Till wrote on August 7, 2019 at 8:31 am
Dear Rene, you have inspired my life every day and shown me that a strong vision, a great product and joy, will lead to success!
Andreas wrote on August 7, 2019 at 8:28 am
R.I.P. You will be missed.
Willem-Jan van Loon wrote on August 7, 2019 at 7:45 am
We are shocked to hear the news that René has passed away. A very dark day for the 3D printing industry. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the Bigrep team.
Daniel Collado wrote on August 7, 2019 at 5:46 am
It is a Big loss. My deepest condolences to the family
Birgit Ströbel wrote on August 7, 2019 at 5:39 am
We have developed, discussed and pushed forward so many common visions. As partners at newten Ventures and as founding partner at BigRep. We experienced challenges and fun as friends. René always had a good sense for people, was able to inspire, carry away and act as a role model. Full of positive mindset and empathy. Dear René, you were a very special person and I am so sad that you are already leaving us. I am grateful for the experiences and time that we had together, it will always stay with me. R.I.P. ??
Holger Weiss wrote on August 7, 2019 at 4:43 am
My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May his spirit and vision continue to be with the Big Rep team and may it become a success. Deep respect and admiration for what he created. May his family find the strength in their pain.
Andy Deo on behalf of everyone at Saratech wrote on August 7, 2019 at 4:35 am
On behalf of the Saratech team, I offer our deepest sympathy to Rene Gurka's family and everyone at BigRep. Though we have never met, I am glad to be part of Mr. Gurka's vision through our partnership with BigRep.
Arita Mattsoff wrote on August 7, 2019 at 4:11 am
It is beyond words to think that Rene has passed away, so young, so early, prematurely . I had the privilege and opportunity to meet Rene about 1.5 years ago and was amazed and inspired by his character, knowledge and charisma. Rene had endless passion to 3D printing, and was a visionary that the industry would so much have continued to benefit from. Rene in our thoughts and hearts, he will be missed. ❤️?. RIP.
Lutz Lehmann wrote on August 6, 2019 at 11:32 pm
It comes as a shock to read about Rene's passing here on LinkedIn. My deepest condolences to Rene's family and colleagues. I worked with Rene in San Francisco/USA many years ago and we stayed friends when he moved back to Berlin Germany. He was always someone very honest and had great ideas. It's a big loss.
Clemens Koós wrote on August 6, 2019 at 9:18 pm
René war ein unglaublich toller Kerl! Lustig, clever und unsagbar charmant! Selbst nach 12h Notartermin war er noch freundlich und humorvoll. Ich habe irre viel von ihm gelernt und werde ihn vermissen. Mein Beileid an seine Familie und auch an alle bei BigRep.
Diogo Quental wrote on August 6, 2019 at 9:14 pm
A big loss for the 3D Printing family, that affects all of us. Our deepest condolences to René's Family and closest friends. Diogo
Davide Ardizzoia wrote on August 6, 2019 at 8:25 pm
Heck, Rene', you left the part too soon, just when your vision was getting true. I always admired Bigrep growth, but I didn't know the people behind it. We never met, but I want to express anyway my sincere condolences to the Bigrep family for the loss. Rest in peace.
Senthilkumaran wrote on August 6, 2019 at 7:11 pm
I have been always facinated by his great ideas, and the way he scaled the prototype building to large format. He is a technocrat always looking for excellence. I admire his great vision for BigRep and the commitment he showed towards building that organization. May his soul rest in peace. My prayers are with his extended family at this moment of grief.
Yannick Loisance wrote on August 6, 2019 at 5:54 pm
We send our deepest sympathy to René family and colleagues. I met first time René in Berlin and then regularly at each Euromold/ Formnext issue and it was each time great moments of exchange and human interactions. René had a fantastic coefficient of sociability. Respect of Multistation’s team
Manufactur3D Magazine (India) wrote on August 6, 2019 at 5:25 pm
Though we never came in direct contact with Mr. Rene but we always marveled at what he built, i.e. BigRep, when we interviewed Mr. Stephan Beyer. It is a great loss for the entire 3D printing community and to BigRep and we express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

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