Dennis & Linda Gorman
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants." Psalm 116:15
Their daughters...
Thank you so much for coming here to join us in honoring our parents. If you would like to leave a note, share a memory or a picture, you can do that in the ""MEMORIES" section below.. it would mean so much!
Caregivers at Cascades of Grass Valley: please scroll down to Memories
— Amanda & Sarah
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A word from Amanda...
It’s hard to believe that our adorable parents are no longer here with us… and that they passed just three days apart.
Five days after Mom stopped eating and drinking, Sarah and I talked with Dad and gently explained that Mom would be going home to be with the Lord very soon. He said he just assumed she had been sleeping a lot. After thinking about it for a minute, he looked at us and asked, “Can this be reversed?”
We had to tell him, “Unfortunately, no.”
At that, he looked down at the floor, thought for a moment longer, and simply said, “Okay.” A couple hours later, he laid down in bed next to mom, closed his eyes..and never opened them again.
Mom passed away on Friday, January 2. Dad passed away three days later on Monday, January 5.
We will never fully understand exactly what happened, or how he went so quickly after her, but we do know that our dad’s number one concern in life—second only to serving the Lord—was making sure Mom was cared for. He spent the last several years worrying that she wouldn't be okay if Parkinson’s disease took him first.
So in a way, it feels like once he knew she was going, he could finally let go, knowing his job here was finished. (Well done, dad!!)
Sarah and I could not be more thankful that our dad didn’t have to walk through this life for one minute without his precious wife. What a mercy from the Lord—and perhaps one of the greatest gifts He ever gave them… second only to the gift of His Son, Jesus, which made it possible for them to look forward to spending eternity together when their lives on earth were over. They had this blessed assurance, and so do each one of us who have put our faith in Jesus.
I can only imagine the celebration that took place when dad arrived! Three days would have given mom just enough time to plan the PERFECT PARTY...and I have no doubt there was plenty of popcorn, Coke, and LOTS of ice-cream!! :)
— Amanda
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A word from Sarah...
Our parents were married for 56 years and passed within days of one another. That alone speaks to the depth of their bond. Their lives were intertwined by love, commitment, faith, and shared purpose, and I'm so glad that we can remember them here together.
Their Christian faith was how they loved, forgave, and showed up for family, friends, and their church community. It grounded them as they moved through the many seasons of life together and through times of joy and hardship.
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
— Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Their lives were shaped by love for God, for family, and for one another. Whatever each of us believes happens next, this much is true: the love they gave continues here, through us.
— Sarah
Their Church
On behalf of Fellowship Bible Church, Tacoma – I want to publicly honor and express gratitude to Denny and Linda Gorman. This couple has been God’s precious gift to our church. From their faithful decades of attendance, to the hundreds of people they’ve served, to the rich relationships they forged and maintained – the Gormans blessed our church family in more ways than we can list.
In terms of service, the first image that would come to mind for many is Linda (with Denny’s assistance!) investing in generation after generation of kids in our church’s Sunday School ministry. Her service spanned decades and impacted the lives of countless kids of kindergarten age. When Linda “retired” from this ministry a few years ago, we asked anyone who had been a student in Linda’s classes to stand up to honor her. Young adults, teenagers, and elementary students were standing all across our auditorium – it was striking to see her impact. I personally am grateful for the way “Mrs. Gorman” creatively taught our two oldest boys in her final years of Sunday school ministry and made Sunday school a weekly highlight for both of them. In addition, Linda graciously donated her skill and expertise in teaching English to those for whom English was a second language, along with speech therapy for many. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,” Jesus says (Mark 9:37) – and we are so grateful for the example Linda and Denny set in living this out.
Denny and Linda also contributed to the leadership of our church by serving on our coordinator team. In our biannual meetings, I was always encouraged to hear their thoughtful, faith-filled input on ministry decisions and directions. They both likewise contributed to our church’s mission efforts, with Denny serving as a leader on mission trips I joined with as a teenager. Not only was Denny a faithful leader, but just a fun guy to be around (still grateful for when he paid for the whole team’s breakfast at his namesake restaurant, Denny’s, in 2006!).
But the image that may come to mind first for Denny in terms of ministry is his role as our church’s benevolence coordinator. In this role, Denny was responsible to make sure our church was appropriately caring for those with financial needs within our church family. This involved significant responsibility (in overseeing our benevolence fund and making sure financial gifts were distributed appropriately) as well as a caring, discerning spirit (in making sure he understood and encouraged those who came to church leadership with a financial need). Denny’s integrity and faithfulness were above reproach in this role, and many in need benefited as a result.
Personally, what I miss most from Denny and Linda right now are their warm smiles and greetings. As a young pastor, I benefited deeply from their constant encouragement and care. The grace of Jesus was evident to all in Denny and Linda, and I am grateful for the hope that they are in the care of the God whom they served all of their lives – and will rejoice to see them in His presence one day again.
— Nate Corley, Pastor/Elder, Fellowship Bible Church, Tacoma
Their friends...
From Mike Stone, long-time friend...
Denny and I first met in 1969. Older brother, Tom, and I were classmates. Dennis was a year younger and liked fast cars as much as Tom and me.
So, everyplace we went, Denny joined in- drag racing, car shows, etc. Even after high school, we stayed close. We all went to Alaska, driving, the Al-Can Highway with their dad, grandpa, and Tim, the youngest boy. We had quite the adventure, but made it back in time for college classes to start.
Fast forward, Tom was finishing school and about to get married and go off with the Navy. Then it was time for Denny and I to really expand our friendship. I developed a love of flying and got my solo license. This is “fly by yourself “ until you pass your private license. Then you can take other people with you. Not Denny and Mike! I picked up Denny at a private strip in Silverton. We flew for an hour and Denny was hooked! It took me 7 hours of instruction to solo. Denny did it in 3 hours and 15 minutes.
The private license took me 2 more months of flying and studying. Taking a 3 1/2 hour test, I passed with a score of 78 and was happy.
Denny called me on a Friday, requesting I bring my manual to him that night, which I did. On Sunday, when we got together, he told me he would take the test on Monday. NO WAY! He did it and he got the score of 98! That is not fair, but that was life with Denny!
Later in life, Denny met Linda in Ohio and I met my future wife, Marea, in Salem. Denny and Linda on June 20 in Ohio and Marea and I married in Salem 4 days later, July 1, 1969.
I am going to skip a few years. Even living a longs ways apart, we caught up with each other or phoned for many years. This included trips to each other’s homes and his military assignment in Alabama. Once they had moved to Washington, we did an Alaskan cruise to Canada and several trips to Mexico. They even joined our family on Shasta houseboat trip.
On many occasions, Denny would talk about stories of the Bible. We shared a faith that was brought up in our everyday activities.
Going back a few years, a turning point in my life was when Denny was stationed in Australia with the Air force.
It was at this time that Denny’s oldest sister went to Heaven after a bout with lupus. After her service, Denny came home with Marea and I and led us to accept the Lord’s way to Heaven. Life changed from that day forward. I can’t thank Denny enough.
There have been so many fun times. I could tell a thousand more. It would take a day to tell them all.
I know Denny is paving the way to help me get to Heaven.
Thanks, Denny, for everything.
— Mike
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From Paul Akiyama, long-time friend & neighbor...
We thought Denny was going to graduate before Linda. He hung on until he knew his beloved wife was safe in Jesus’ presence. Denny was able to finally rest and graduated on the third day following Linda’s departure from this world. That was Denny, always loving his precious wife, like his Lord and Savior Jesus loves His church. Daughter Sarah shared a touching moment with us. Her dad said to her mom as they held hands, “I like you a lot, but I love you more”. Amazing, Denny’s brilliance shown through Parkinson’s disease once again. They were inseparable, and now together in His presence for eternity.
Our friendship began in the early 80’s where we met at Central Baptist Church in University Place, Washington. My Linda and I (Denny and I would often say “my Linda” or “your Linda” to clarify which Linda we were talking about, lol) had recently put our faith in Jesus. Denny and Linda hosted a bible study in their home where our formative years as new born again Christians was grounded. We had a lot in common. We had similar careers, hobbies, interests, lived in the same neighborhood, our children attended the same schools, and yes, our wives had the same names.
Denny operated at high levels of intelligence. He was brilliant with computers and analytical about everything important, including the Bible. Denny liked machines, machines that were engineered to perfection. One day he came upon a really nice machine. A black BMW two-seater coop called the Z3. It was not a car for social status. It was a machine, a finely tuned machine for a hobby. He finally convinced me to get a machine too. I was once asked, why in the world would I buy a BMW? I said because it is a machine, a finely tuned machine. We did a few rallies in south Pierce County with his brother Tom. Tom’s M3, Denny’s Z3 and my 330i raced through the County. Fortunately we did not run over any chickens.
Denny enjoyed boating and water skiing with his 19’ Bayliner. He was a great skier and man he was in great shape. We skied on American and Steilacoom Lakes in Lakewood, just south of where we both lived. Yes, I soon became a thankful owner of a 19’ Bluewater. Denny, his Linda and daughter Sarah and me, my Linda and our son Corey towed our boats to Bellingham where we launched for a several day/night boat camping trip in the San Juan Islands. Sucia Island, Orcas Island, San Juan Island and what island? It was late in the day and we were all pretty tired. We looked for a safe place to anchor before it got too dark. We came upon a small island. Took us what seemed like several hours to anchor. Bow to shore and stern to waterside to stabilize us against the tide (that was the engineer’s way of proper anchoring, lol). We worked to exhaustion trying to anchor the boats. We were so tired that laughter overcame exhaustion. We finally did it and it was soon dark. The next morning we studied the marine map and discovered our location. We anchored to an island called Victim Island - teen age Sarah said, “that’s fitting”.
All good things are a gift from God. Denny and his Linda were a gift to my Linda and me. They were available through thick and thin. I remember them lovingly caring for Linda’s parents John and Thurma. Two generations later we watched daughters Amanda and Sarah lovingly care for their parents. They witnessed God’s grace as Denny and Linda loved one another until their perfectly timed departure and graduation into the presence of Jesus’.
Many lives were touched during their ministry at home, in the workplace and at their church, Fellowship Bible Church.
Denny and Linda, facing Jesus, received His Words of praise; “Well done good and faithful servants”.…however, it is not over. Those in Christ Jesus will be together again with Denny and Linda in Jesus’ presence (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and we will be clothed in fine white linen, soon to follow the King of kings and Lord of lords into Jesus’ new kingdom. (Revelations 19:11-16)
On behalf of Denny and Linda, they would like all to know and believe “that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved”. (John 3:15-17)
Interesting that Denny was free from his illness on the third day following Linda’s departure as Jesus defeated death and rose from the grave on the third day following His crucifixion.
— Paul
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From Sandy Raines, Linda's friend & teaching partner...
Linda and I met at Boze Elementary School. We worked together for 18 years and through many adventures. It was the best time of my life! Linda was the exception to every rule. She was blessed with the ability to connect with our "kids". No matter the disability, she was determined to do whatever was needed to give them their "best life".
The story of Neb comes to mind... He was a boy struggling with mental issues. He was put on new medications in order to help him. After a few days we noticed a difference and we were very optimistic. One day during Linda's story time he began to call out "whoop whoop" in a loud voice. We were both startled trying to figure out what was happening. As Linda read on, he "whoop whooped" again. Soon it was every couple of minutes or so. Well, if you have ever been in a special needs class you know it only takes one to rev up the rest of the group. Soon another student copied Neb and was whooping too! And then another one (who never made noises), was "whooping" up a storm. More joined in and we were in a whooping frenzy. Linda gave me a wink...she continued the story but stopped to "whoop" occasionally. By the end of the story, we were ALL WHOOPING!! Linda closed the book and put her head down. The class fell silent, a whoop from Neb was the only sound. A boy (who was always ready to bend the rules), said "I don't want to do this anymore! It makes me tired and sweaty". Linda looked at him while moving over to put her arm around Neb. She then explained to the class "We can stop when we want but Neb can't. He's going to be tired and sweaty for a while. We are going to be extra kind to help him out". What a moment!
We had lunch with Neb and his mom several years ago. He's a grown man now and has never forgotten the compassion and kindness of his teacher Mrs. Gorman though all these years.
Linda and I had a lot of fun in our school life. One of Linda's favorite parts was our class pets...
• Our room cat Ringo - she stayed in our class during the week and Linda lugged her home every weekend.
• Our Guinea pig, AJ - Linda never touched him once the whole year!
• Crickets - eventually made into chocolate chip "chirpy" cookies
• Stick bugs - They reproduce astronomically and we gave them away as Christmas gifts. Who gives a stick bug for Christmas?
There is so much that Linda and I shared together over the years. I will miss her dearly. I am now looking forward to eternity where we will be together again!
— Love, Sandy Rains
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From Emily, Linda's friend & parent of Sunday school children...
It is difficult to put into words the many ways Mr. and Mrs. Gorman poured their love into our family and profoundly changed my son Joel’s life. I grew up at Fellowship Bible Church, where I consistently witnessed their deep love for God, their genuine care for people, and their quiet faithfulness in serving others.
In 2020, while Mrs. Gorman was teaching my son Joel in Sunday School, she recognized that he needed speech therapy. For the next two and a half years, she met with us twice a week in her kindergarten Sunday School classroom for what we affectionately called “Fun Club.” Some of our favorite days were when Mr. Gorman joined us as a special guest. He delighted in creating games and printing projects for Joel to work on throughout the week. They made learning so joyful that Joel never realized he was doing speech therapy at all.
By the end of those two and a half years, Mrs. Gorman’s knowledge, love, and wisdom had helped Joel learn to speak clearly. The following year, he was chosen to deliver the opening line in his second-grade school play—an unforgettable moment that brought tears to my eyes. While she was teaching Joel about speech, she was also teaching me invaluable lessons about life, faith, and loving Jesus.
During that season, Mrs. Gorman was caring for Mr. Gorman, teaching Sunday School, and encouraging countless others at Fellowship Bible Church - yet she still found time to pour into our family in a way that changed our lives forever. I will always remember when they would host Rolando Vasquez, who was battling ALS, for dinner. At the end of each visit, Mrs. Gorman would gently say, “Well, we’ll see you next time—at church or in heaven, Rolando.” Their hope, faith, and love for people shone through in everything they did.
My husband Joel, a mechanical engineer, loved asking Mr. Gorman about his time in the military, and those conversations were a joy to watch. We miss them both dearly at Fellowship Bible Church, yet we are confident they are together now, rejoicing and seeing Jesus face to face.
Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Gorman, for loving so well and for changing our lives forever.
— Emily Linke (and our whole family- Joel, Joel Jr, Reese, Cora & Jane)
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Through the Years...
The church they loved...
Memories
The things that I always wished for them were acceptance, trust and peace.
I wanted them to accept the limits that their health was setting for them, to accept what felt like the loss of a life that they had created, to accept that they could no longer live independently. And most importantly, I wanted them to accept help. They had spent their lives helping others.
After they left their home in University Place, we attempted to get them settled in a few places in Olympia, near Amanda. They did not find acceptance, trust or peace in those places. Amanda and I decided that, if another move became necessary, it would be time for the “nuclear option” – I would bring them to California.
After a bumpy arrival in California, we finally settled at Cascades of Grass Valley. From day one, Amanda and I knew that we had finally found the right place. It brings me to tears now to think of how immediately I felt taken care of by Haley and her team.
Of course, it took weeks (maybe months) for my parents to trust that their new home was a safe place and the right place for them. As all the care staff at Cascades will remember, they struggled deeply with accepting help. My mom still thought it was her “job” to take care of my dad – and that she could take care of him. And my dad didn’t want to accept help from anyone else. Over time and with unbelievable patience from the care staff, not only did they both begin to accept the care for my dad. My mom began to accept and even desire care for herself.
They actually trusted their care providers and formed beautiful relationships with them. I visited them almost daily and was always blown away to see the care and connection they experienced. I came to love the care and activities staff and looked forward to seeing all of them as much as my parents. In the week when they were both nearing the end of their lives, I slept the nights in their room. During those nights, I found that they also had great experiences and connection with care staff that I had not even met. Since they weren’t great sleepers, the night staff had some surprising and hilarious stories.
In the past few years, given the stress of their many moves and the decline of their health, I rarely saw my parents at peace. But in the last months of their lives, my parents found peace. I feel like that peace was brought by the incredible love and care that they were receiving at Cascades. They both passed peacefully surrounded by people with big, beautiful hearts. And Amanda and I were held with so much love in those days. I am forever grateful.
Sarah
Meeting Linda: One of my favorite memories of Denny and Linda is when Linda came out to Oregon to visit after they got engaged in Ohio, where they met, and Denny was stationed at the air force base. Denny wanted to introduce her to our family, and we all loved her immediately. One day after getting all bundled up under hooded coats to go deep sea fishing off the rainy Oregon Coast, when they were purchasing tickets for the trip, the vendor asked if “the little guy” (Linda) was going, too! That is a story that has been told many times because it was so funny! Tiny Linda took the ribbing like a champ 😊
More Fun: Another day, they came down to Gary’s house with me while he was practicing roping steer horns on a hay bale in the barnyard before leaving for a rodeo. Always meeting a challenge, Denny wanted to try his hand at roping, too. After practicing, he did pretty well (as he did at so many things) and we all had a good time watching him hone his skills! I wish I could have found the photo I took of him, but I did get one of the four of us that day on the farm! I love that😊
Denny was both loving and serious, a great older brother, and I was always in awe of his intelligence and work ethic. Linda was a sweet sister-in-law and I admired her commitment to teaching and enthusiasm and love for her/our family. I will miss them both dearly but cherish my fond memories of Denny while growing up and of the two of them during their long marriage.
With love,
Kathy
Denny and his friend, Mike Stone rebuilt a World War II plane. It had two seats, one behind the other. One day, Denny landed the plane in a neighbors field. I got to go for a ride in it! We flew to where they kept the plane. I believe it was in the Salem area. And to top it all off, I got to ride home on the back of the Honda motorcycle my brother's shared. What an awesome experience !!!
Elle and I enjoyed going to Denny and Linda's. The birthday celebrations were always a good time! Linda would fix a delicious meal and then we would play cards or other games. She always made it so much fun!
I love and miss them. Beth Gorman
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