Search by Name

Search by Name

Bernard Gore Obituary

Bernard Z Gore MD (Bud)

Loving husband of Cathy Daniel. Father of Debra and Diana Gore; grandfather to Noah, Jack and Margaret Jones, and Henry and Hope Barnes. Stepfather of Samantha and Wayne Everbeck and David Loveless.

Originally from Chicago, Bud attended Francis Parker and Northwestern University undergraduate and medical school. Upon completion of his training in obstetrics and gynecology, he was a major in the US Air Force at Hamilton Air Force base. He was in private practice for 37 years in San Francisco. He loved his practice and was proud of the many children he brought into the world.

As an adjunct to his medical practice he was committed to medical education at Yale University Medical School and USF, having attained an associate professorship in ob/gyn.

He was an early supporter for women to exercise free choice in their reproductive health and participated in the clinical research of RU 486 which became an integral method for women and their choices.

Bud had varied interests including classical music, duplicate bridge, fly fishing, traveling with his wife and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved Alaska and shared that with his family. He furthered his love of anthropology by spending hours visiting Native American sites throughout the west.

After moving to Arizona, he became a volunteer at the Desert Botanical Garden. As a docent, Bud enjoyed teaching visitors about the botany and beauty of the desert.

Bud was proud of his association of over 25 years with two groups of guys who shared and helped each other grow. They clearly helped him become the man we loved.

In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived by his sister Nancy Gore Marcus (Maurice) and his brother Robert Bennet Gore (Marge).

A celebration of Bud's life will be at a later date.
Donations can be made to Planned Parenthood.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 23 to Dec. 27, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Gore

Not sure what to say?





Jennifer O.

January 3, 2025

Dr. Gore delivered me in 1979 and my parents always said the most wonderful things about him. I'm sure he will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

Deb Gore

December 17, 2024

Woke on the 15th knowing that Bud's presence was large amidst all of us! Each day there's something to remind me of this guy, bringing smile or tear depending. Miss you so much Dad, everyday!

Julie S

August 31, 2024

Forever grateful for his care and kindness.

Joanna

May 7, 2024

Dr. Gore provided kind and compassionate care during a difficult time in my reproductive history. I remember him fondly.

Lynette Bawden Jordan

February 5, 2023

I was a medic at Hamilton Air Force and worked w Dr Gore. He was a caring Doctor and was great about teaching us so many things. He delivered many babies and handed the newborns to me after they came into the world. Had a great respect for him and wanted a gynecologist like him but never found one as great as he was. I´ll always remember him as the best.

Terri Shearer

November 21, 2022

I was a patient of Dr. Gore's in San Francisco for many years and two pregnancies. I can honestly say, that I have never in my life had such a compassionate and caring doctor. He had such an incredible bedside manner. He was amazing.
You have my deepest condolences for such an incredible loss.

Carol Baillie

November 20, 2022

I don´t know what I would have done without Dr. Gore in my life. He was absolutely the best OB/GYN!!! He helped deliver my daughter and I felt so comfortable being in his care. He truly listened to his clients. Thank you, Dr. Gore, for caring for me. You will be missed. After all these years, I still tell stories about how much you helped me.
Carol Baillie, RN

Sue Thornley retired PHN

December 1, 2021

I just learned of his death from another MD this morning. Very saddened to read this as HC#4 in the Family Planning Clinic and thus a lot of us followed him to his private practice and he became our doctor.
Great Doc and an early advocate for Women's rights.

Marlyce

May 6, 2021

I was a patient of Dr Benard Z. Gore in the Late 70's early 80's.
He was the kindest OBGYN Doctor I've ever had.
May he R.I.P. Thanks for all your services. You will be missed by Many!

Roseann

April 16, 2021

Dr Gore was my doctor from my teenage years until he retired! He was the most understanding, helpful, kind and warm person ever! RIP Dr Gore snd know you made a huge difference!

Terri shearer

April 14, 2021

Dr Gore was my doctor while I carried my 2 children. I have never met a more kind and caring doctor in all my life. He was like no other. I offer his family and friends my deepest condolences - he was an amazing man!

Owen Lang, FASLA

March 11, 2021

RIP BUD! I will always hold your warm smile in my memories of you, until we meet again.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

kathy mikkelson

Planted Trees

Daphne

January 30, 2021

I saw Dr. Gore in 1997 as a lesbian wanting a doctor assisted insemination with a friends sperm so he would be a donor and not a father. in our brief interactions (got pregnant first try!) he was so warm and supportive. I have always had a special place in my heart for him!

Margaret Grisz-Dow

January 18, 2021

My wonderful Doctor for many years, sharing a love of art and especially Judy Chicago. Bud had one of my Lemon Bowls, as well as a Large Tribal Wall Platter I made him as a thank you gift 20+ years ago. May his Journey now be as his life was, blessed, and generous. Love to his family, and gratitude from me, for his help, humor, and our beautiful daughter.
Margaret Grisz-Dow

Alan Zimmerman

January 1, 2021

He was a great guy. Our condolences to Cathy and the girls. Monica and Alan

Ellen Stein

December 31, 2020

I worked with Dr. Gore as a new college grad in 1981 at a women’s clinic in SF and remember him fondly to this day. A dedicated physician and humanitarian.

Jessica Flinders

December 30, 2020

This picture of Bud absolutely captures his gentle, humble, kind, intelligent and caring spirit. I was so honored to be a part of his life these past few years. I loved seeing him at the gym where despite crippling arthritis he was a fixture at early morning spin classes. I was honored to see him in the office where he trusted me to care for some of his day to day needs. This is the point where I should say I am glad he is out of pain and is at peace. But oh how I wish I had had one more chance to give him a hug (covid be damned) and tell him how very much I will miss him. The last time I saw him we discussed the pros and cons of me getting a Peloton bike. It may be awfully cheesy, but I am going to think of you Bud every time I climb on that bike and hope that your spirit has found a place you can bike with all the joi de vivre you did here on earth.

Deborah Smith

December 30, 2020

We are so saddened to hear the news of the loss of a very special man. I was his patient for years, and he helped us through some difficult times trying to have a family. My pregnancies and deliveries were high-risk, and he always referred to our boys as “our miracles.” We took that to heart. We are blessed with our family and thank him for all that he did to support us through those times and welcome our boys into the world. We stayed in touch over these many years and shared updates of our now grown redheads. We send our sympathy to your family—we know how he adored you. Best, Deb & Christopher Smith (& our boys Conrad & Calvin)
{patient}

Deb Gore

December 29, 2020

Mia Ortiz

December 29, 2020

I worked with Dr Gore in 1994 until his retirement, he was a great teacher and good friend, I had the pleasure of seeing last year as he was visiting the new hospital at CPMC on Van Ness. My deepest condolences to his wife Cathy and his family. A great Icon for women's health has join the Angels. May his memory be a blessing

Rita Goldberg

December 29, 2020

I only have high praises for Dr. Gore. He was the most caring, gentle, kindest physician I have ever known! I have been fortunate to work with outstanding surgeons over the years, but without exception, Dr.Gore tops the list!
I have a beautiful son, 33 years old, and my gratitude is small homage to this beautiful human being! He was my pillar of strength when I needed it the most, and will always be grateful for what he did for me!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Rest In Peace, you will always be remembered, and loved,
Thank you, is the least I can say.

December 29, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Susan Wilson

Planted Trees

Kelli Burrill

December 28, 2020

I was a patient of Dr. Gore's for many years. He delivered my son and he had an important impact on my life. I wanted to reach out and share my sadness at his passing. What a wonderful man. Kelli Burrill

December 27, 2020

I met Bud in the late 70’s while trying to get pregnant. After undergoing several tests, he discovered the problem. Just two months later I became pregnant with my son, Dashiell. When he saw Dash’s obituary in the paper, he wrote me the nicest note, saying he didn’t have the words to express how sad he was to read it. He was the real deal, a true gentleman with a great sense of humor. My heart goes out to his wife, family and friends. With sympathy, Pam Engel

Janet Lewis Wong

December 27, 2020

I was so sorry to see this obituary. Bud delivered my first child while on call and I liked him so much I switched OB’s to be under his care regularly. He extended us professional courtesy with the only payment being an annual case of wine. He was our partner and guide for many years through a number of issues. Our family will always remember him fondly. Deepest condolences to you, his wife and children. Rest In Peace, dear Bud.

Nina

December 27, 2020

I met Dr. Gore in 1980. He became “Bud” to my husband and me shortly after. I have never met a better doctor, who truly cared for his patients. He became most trusted person to us. I was his patient for 10+years, but we kept in touch for many more. His sense of humour was unique, to say the least. I feel very honoured to have known Bud. He loved life, his wife, kids and grandchildren. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed greatly.

Ilene Mattison-Shupnick

December 27, 2020

Dr. Gore guided us through four difficult years of infertility. We always felt that he cared about us. He was a wonderful doctor!

Marcia Fortnoff

December 27, 2020

I was a patient of Bud’s and met him in the late ‘70’s. I have such fond memories of Bud. He delivered both my daughters. For the birth of my first daughter, Kate, his daughter, Debbie, also attended the birth. It was a family bonding experience for sure. We became good friends after that. He was such a warm and kind man. My condolences to his family.

Kate and Ted Freeland

December 27, 2020

We have always told our two daughters that without the skill, care and kindness that Dr.Gore provided we wouldn't have had them... we remain grateful every day!

Lynn Bjork Mannix

December 27, 2020

Dr. Gore delivered my two beloved children in 1976 & 81. I was considered a high risk so I saw him weekly during my last pregnancy. In 1996 my terrified daughter, also a patient, found a lump in her breast when studying in Europe. I called Bud and he was reassuring to us both. He was correct, it was just a cyst. He was humorous, irreverent, kind, and generous of time and his person. I have often wondered how he was after he retired. He has a big place in my heart and I send sincere condolences to his family who lost this remarkable man.

Phyllis Schoenwald

December 27, 2020

My condolences to Bud's family. I had the honor to work with him first in the late 70's in San Francisco at Buena Vista Women's Services and years later at Planned Parenthood. He was a skilled physician who cared deeply about reproductive choice and improving the lives of the many women he cared for. I am grateful for his service. May his memory be a blessing.

Nicki Serquinia

December 26, 2020

I am happy that I met Bud a couple of times while visiting Diana in Sandpoint. I loved the way he loved his daughters and grandchildren and was an active in their lives. He was a fine man. My heart hurts for his children, wife and grandchildren. Gone too soon.

Deb gore

December 25, 2020

He was truly a great father and grandfather!! Hard to believe he is gone, but he lives strong in all of our lives!!

Fran Judd (Sandler)

December 25, 2020

I met Dr. Gore as one of his patients in 1975. He delivered my first baby, who just turned 45! Later there were occasions in casual friendship groups to re acquaint. He always showed caring and concern for me and my family. I know how much he will be missed by his family and friends. I feel blessed to have known him.

PAM HEFFERMAN,RN

December 24, 2020

I worked with Bud over several decades. I first worked alongside w/ Bud in the 1970s providing reproductive choice to women in Oakland. I later worked in perinatal medicine @ CPMC where Bud worked as well.
He always greeted me and often made me laugh!

Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results

Make a Donation
in Bernard Gore's name

Memorial Events
for Bernard Gore

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Bernard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bernard Gore's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more