John Wesley Gorman

GORMAN, Sr., John Wesley John Wesley Gorman, Sr., a prominent leader within Sacramento's real estate, land development, and property management industry, died December 13, 2012, following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 79. A third-generation Sacramento native, John Wesley Gorman, Sr. was born January 11, 1933, to Ruth (Eachus) and Ellsworth James 'Jim' Gorman. He grew up and attended local schools, graduating from Sacramento High School in 1951, and afterward attending Sacramento City College. In 1953, he married Twinkle (Moss) Gorman, who survives him. Survivors also include: son John 'Johnny' Wesley Gorman Jr.; son Kelly Gorman and daughter-in-law Desree Gorman; daughter Erin O'Rourke and son-in-law Randy O'Rourke; son Michael Gorman and daughter-in-law Leslie Gorman; brother Jim Gorman and his companion, Ms. Siu-Hing; grandchildren Kristin and Patrick O'Rourke; grandson Sean Gorman, son of Johnny Gorman; granddaughters Jessica and Jenna Gorman, daughters of Michael and Leslie Gorman; and great-granddaughter Kayla O'Rourke. Following service in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Mr. Gorman joined his in-laws, Henry and Charlotte Moss, at the family-owned real estate firm of Moss & Moss. Congressman John E. Moss was Twinkle Gorman's uncle. From Moss & Moss, Mr. Gorman launched a highly successful career powered by his strong personality, dedication to relentless hard work, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional reputation for straight talk and striking honesty. 'He was honest and a man of great integrity. With John, you always knew where you stood. When he would speak his mind, he wasn't shy about it,' said Bruce Levering, who started his own career in commercial real estate after Mr. Gorman hired him in the late 1970s. It was a sentiment shared with family and long-term friends alike, who remembered a man who put honesty first regardless of the price. Mr. Gorman often remarked 'I may not always be liked, but I'm fair.' Cress Williamson, who grew up with Mr. Gorman and was a lifelong friend, recalled a bright man who was eager to start working right out of high school. 'He was very transparent. What you saw is what you got. He was always Mr. Full Charge and scared of very little,' Williamson said. Early in his career, while at Moss & Moss, Mr. Gorman played an essential role in sales and development within the Campus Commons area during the 1960s. Through that experience, he acquired what became widely acknowledged expertise in the development and property management of medical offices and facilities. He built the first outpatient surgical center in Sacramento - the Sacramento Surgery Center - and went on to build similar projects throughout the state and nation. In 1967, Mr. Gorman and John F. Whitney founded the Gorman Whitney Development Company. He acquired Whitney's interest in 1971 and continued to grow the firm's dominance as the foremost developer of medical and dental office buildings within the Sacramento region. With Twinkle Gorman, raising four children - all of whom joined him in the family business - Mr. Gorman worked every day until just three weeks before his passing. He never retired. In his personal life, Mr. Gorman was an active man. His passions included golfing, water and snow skiing, and big game hunting, including fox hunting, an activity he enjoyed with his wife during trips to Ireland. In the community, Mr. Gorman was a life member of the Sutter Club. He also belonged to the Del Paso Country Club, Monterey Peninsula County Club in Pebble Beach, the Los Altos Hunt Club, Kandlehars Ski Club, and the Grandfathers Club. His community support included donations to the Sutter Foundation, Sacramento Children's Home, and Crocker Art Museum. A private interment will take place Friday, Dec. 21st, at East Lawn Memorial Park with Military Funeral Honors to include a flag presentation and the playing of taps. Friends and family are invited to 11 a.m. services on Saturday, Dec. 22nd, at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, 3235 Arden Way, Sacramento. A reception will follow at the Sutter Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mr. Gorman's name be made to Breathe California of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails, 909 12th St # 200, Sacramento, CA 95814; or to the Sacramento Children's Home, 2750 Sutterville Road, Sacramento, CA 95820.