Tony O’ Gorman Celebration of Life Event

Kit Carson Park
August 11, 2024

by Rob Verfurth

Descenders Participating: Hodges, Oleg, Larry, John S, Dennis, Voris, Len, Sheehan, Ernst, John A, Bill & Peggy B, Eric G, Don W, Brian & Monica T, Bill W, Quoc, Neil B, Marci M, Bernie, Rick & Denise B, Steve B, Jim W and Rob V

Friends and family of Tony O’Gorman came together at Kit Carson Park this morning to celebrate the life of Tony. Diane and their two grown adult children, Patrick and Bridgette, were there with lots of friends and family. Bill B helped organize the set up of computers and screens to show many photos of Tony and his family over the years. There was a second screen set up for all the Descender photos taken of and with Tony over the many years he rode with the club. Diane brought coolers full of drinks and sandwiches/chips for the attendees. The large crowd was there to remember Tony and the oversized impact he had on all our lives. Tony was there as well in his cremation urn.

The group ride over to the Celebration of Life event started at Mike Hodges house. I pedaled over to meet up with about 10 other riders, including Dave Voris who rode basically from the area of Kit Carson Park down to meet us and then rode back north. Oleg, John S and Larry started early as they rode from the coast to meet us at Hodges house. We pedaled along Pomerado Road and picked up more Descender riders. Most wore their Dave Ernst designed Ocean Blue team kits for the day. The group rode over the Lake Hodges pedestrian bridge and to the parking lot in the mall to regroup before we rode into the park. Bill & Peggy had finished helping set up the picnic area and came over to meet us. We took a few group photos and then slowly rode into Kit Carson Park. Diane had reserved one of the covered picnic areas for the event. Other Descenders that did not ride joined in the celebration at the picnic gazebo.

Tony had friends from work there, along with Diane’s sisters and many others who knew Tony. It was a large crowd of over 75 folks there to remember our friend, lost too soon to prostate cancer. Sue, Diane’s twin sister, kicked off the event and then asked us to come up and say a few words about Tony. A number of Descenders spoke about Tony and some of the great memories we had riding with him over the years. Plenty of poignant comments about how Tony handled his difficulties in life. Rule #5! Tony fought both his cancer and his bike injuries with strong determination and willpower; he was tough as nails. He never gave up and always brought a smile and laugh to our group rides with his humor and dry wit.

Diane gave a wonderful speech about Tony, going back to his early years in Cork, Ireland, how they met and many of their treasured life stories. "What color underwear are you wearing?" Bridgette gave a beautiful talk about how Tony helped and positively impacted her and Patrick’s lives. He was a great husband and dad, along with being a great Descenders teammate. There were also friends from business and Tony’s electrical engineering background that spoke about Tony in loving and gracious terms.

Bill B led the production of a memorial photo album of Tony as a Descender. Oleg & Dave Sheehan assisted Bill as well. Lots of riding photos over the years were sent to Bill and he went through many hundreds to determine which best captured Tony as a Descender rider. Bill produced copies of the album for Diane, Patrick and Bridgette. Many Descenders gave Bill comments and memories of Tony that were included in the photo album.

The Descenders cycling club is very fortunate to have had Tony O’ Gorman as one of us. He added immensely to the comradiarie and fellowship of the Descenders. Whether it was riding back to join a slower rider on a climb or handing out a dose of smack to our UK teammate or just one of his many quips that kept us laughing. Tony was a special person and great friend. We are fortunate to have a cycling community that enjoys suffering on the bike. Tony selected well when he joined us after his move from Chicago. We are better for having known and been friends with Tony.

Dave Sheehan had emotional and positive comments when remembering Tony. He gave Diane one of the original Descender jerseys, probably the last one from our first kit production. It is also likely the only Descenders kit from Tony’s gear that does not have a hole or tear in it. Oleg, Dave Voris, Bernie, Eric G and others made comments about Tony; all were uplifting, positive and helped us remember the impact Tony had on all of us.

The Celebration of Life event ended a bit after 1 pm when riders set out for their trip home. Diane and family headed back to their house for drinks and snacks. She invited all to visit. I pedaled home and had about an hour to spend thinking about Tony and how fortunate I am to be part of a cycling family. It is a way of life for many of us.

Tony left us too soon but he is with us on every group ride. Tony made us a better cycling club and each of us a better person. Tony will be missed but never forgotten.

Tailwinds Always…….HTFU!