Obituary of John Willis Gorman

 

It is with heavy hearts that ‘the boys’ of John Willis “Jack” Gorman announce his sudden passing at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on Friday February 25, 2022. Husband of the late Fannie Gorman, he was born on April 7, 1930 in Cardigan NB, son of the late Robert & Lillian Gorman.

Jack is survived by ‘the ‘boys’ John (Debbie) Gorman and David (Tracey) Gorman; four grandchildren who he was so very proud of, Matthew (Shannon) Gorman, Sarah Gorman (Matt), Travis Gorman and Brett Gorman (Alannah); two great granddaughters Julia and Kate Gorman, all of Fredericton; cousins, nieces and nephews (many he was very close to), sister-in-laws Donna Gorman and Margaret Wilkins, brother in laws Robert (Georgie Ann) Wilkins and Ralph Harding, as well as many life long friends. Jack was the last survivor of his immediate family.

In addition to his wife and parents, Jack was predeceased by his sisters Beatrice (Victor) Pineo, Ellen (Ross) Hossack, Bessie (Jack) Dorcas, Gladys (Norman) Painter, Faye (Bill) Pineo, and Lois Gorman; brothers Thomas (Pearl) Gorman, David Gorman and Rand Gorman; several sister & brother in laws, Elbrige (Barb) Wilkins, Harold (Doris) Wilkins, Peter (Shirley) Wilkins, Violet (Donnie) Taylor and Marilyn Harding.

During his working years, Jack worked for various businesses. He worked at Central Construction as an equipment operator during the Princess Margaret Bridge construction and then followed his path of being a well respected Diesel Mechanic. In the early 70’s, he received a prestigious Service Technician award from General Motors Diesel after placing 2nd in Canada. He also worked at Mussens, Seaboard, Barker/Wallace Equipment and retired from Neal’s Diesel.

Jack was a handyman to all that knew him. Whether it be repairing his tractor, snow blowers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, vehicles; he could fix anything. He loved having a fire on in his garage and tinkering away at things when the boys and grandchildren needed repairs done.

Jack took great pride in his childhood home, ‘Up Home’ he called it. He would go ‘up home’ cutting and splitting wood (even this past fall), driving his pride and joy of a tractor, bushhogging the lane and mowing the fields, just being there made him happy.

With both Jack and Fannie, their boys and their families were their world. Jack kept their home fires burning most winter days so they wouldn’t come home from work to a cold house, and was also the delivery man of Fannie’s home baking at the same time. He especially enjoyed following the boys and grandchildren’s sports and activities, and if they made the Daily Gleaner, he was so proud and the article was cut out and placed in a book.

His garden, loving nature, sitting outside on warm sunny days watching the neighbourhood activities, daily10am coffee with the boys and whoever might join them, journaling the weather as well as the sunrise and sunset every day, his memory of birthdates, weddings, deaths, memorable occasions, his (almost) 92 years life experiences and stories, his little laugh, his cooking, his smile with a nod, a man of few words…..humble and kind. He will be forever missed by the boys and their families

Jack was a member of the North Cardigan United Church.

Thanks to Dr. Murdock, the nurses in the Emergency Room and special thanks to Dr. Graeme Young.

As per Jack’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. A private family burial will take place in Cardigan, NB. Donations in his memory may be made to the North Cardigan United Church Cemetery or a charity of the donors choice.