Obituary: John J. Gorman

John J. Gorman passed away on December 7, 2010 at the age of 76 from complications of a stroke. He was born on May 6, 1934, in Lenexa, Kan., where he graduated from Bishop Ward High School and met and married his high school sweetheart, Beatrice (Bea).

John proudly purchased his first house and the 12 surrounding acres at the young age of 19. He later moved his wife and daughter to Aurora, Colo., where John's entrepreneurial spirit took over, allowing him to operate his own grocery store, butcher shop, a small motel and several residential properties. After years of working for himself, John decided to sell everything and move his family out to a small town in California.

During a previous vacation to California, John fell in love with the scenic beauty of South Lake Tahoe and moved the family there in 1969. John worked for Raley's supermarket, where he was known for being outgoing and friendly with customers and co-workers alike. After a brief move back to Colorado to care for his aging parents, the Gorman family moved back to Lake Tahoe. John later accepted an offer of a promotion to help manage and open a brand new Raley's in Lodi, Calif.

Having grown up on a farm in Kansas, John loved to spend time in his garden and used what he grew in cooking for the family. There wasn't a sport he didn't enjoy watching, but loved baseball and treasured swinging a golf club until he was no longer able to do so. He was forever proud of the coveted "hole-in-one" he made while out playing golf with friends.

Always a dedicated husband, loving father and loyal friend, John may best be remembered for the many years he and Bea worked tirelessly on behalf of the victims of Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Following years of living in fear that Bea would succumb to a rare early-onset familial strain of the disease, and with very little information and resources available, John and Bea decided something needed to be done. A small support group in the couple's living room eventually led to 28 support groups, three offices and providing valuable resources and information to anyone dealing with Alzheimer's disease including families, loved ones and medical personnel. John dedicated 27 years to serving cities and communities throughout Northern California.

Whether he was presenting information to thousands of people over the years, answering calls from desperate caregivers at any time day or night, advocating before government entities or simply providing a kind word to a grieving family, John was selflessly dedicated to battling the tolls of the devastating disease. While always humble himself, his work was recognized by numerous city mayors, members of Congress, state legislators and civic organizations across California.

John is survived by his wife, Bea, their four children Kim (Tom), Wendy, John (Arlene) and Jack (Kyle), six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two sisters. He was predeceased in death by his parents and two siblings.

John's memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom at the Wine & Roses Hotel, 2505 W. Turner Ln., Lodi, CA

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are sent to the Loel Foundation, 105 S. Washington St., Lodi CA 95240.

Online condolences can be made to: www.cherokeememorial.com