Tap was born in San Diego, the eldest of three children, to Jeanne and Tappin “Tag” Gorman, Sr. He was a talented athlete and spent his youth at the beach surfing, as well as the rec center doing gymnastics and on the Chula Vista High School pole vaulting team. In High School and College Tap was employed by the Chula Vista Park and Recreation Department as a Recreation Leader, 1955 - 1960.
Tap attended Chula Vista High School (Class of 1958) where he met his sweetheart, Linda Ricks, on a double date; they would marry and spend the next 54 years together. Tap attended San Diego State University then joined the Army and had the privilege of playing on the All Army Volleyball Team. After the service, Tap & Linda first settled in Chula Vista, then built their house in Bonita where they raised their family. Tap made his career with the San Diego Fire Department, serving his community for 38 years and retiring as Fire Captain in 2002. Retirement was good to him and he was fond of traveling with Linda on trips with friends or numerous trips to visit family.
Family was everything to Tap – whether it was the many weekends with the family on Mission Bay learning to water ski or taking the family to vacations in Mexico at his parent’s beach house or the numerous trips for sports activities over the years, spending time with family was paramount. It didn’t matter what was going on - there were countless hours to be had relaxing in the sun, fishing, surfing, playing bocce ball, card games or simply just laughing and having a good time.
Tap adored his 3 children and supported them to the fullest. Through the years he coached them in soccer, baseball and softball and watched countless swim meets, track and cross-country races, as well as soccer games. Even later when his adult children told him they were competing in an event he and Linda would pack up to go watch and support them.
He was also blessed with 6 grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Through the years, this brought more sporting events, family trips and many grandparent pleasures such as trips to sea world or the zoo, or simply building sandcastles and teaching them cribbage.
Friends were also a big part of Tap’s life and a testament to the man that he was. Whether it be neighbors – many of whom moved into the neighborhood together – or the Fire Department or friends from high school, Tap maintained lifelong friendships and spent many a day with close friends.
Tap was an upbeat and compassionate man who never had a bad word to say about anybody. You could always find Tap helping those in need and he was always willing to roll up his sleeves to pitch in and get to work no matter how large or small the project. Tap was involved with the Special Olympics, Boy Scouts, Rady's Children's Hospital, served on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Fireman's Relief Association and a Past President, also on the SDFD Golf Club Board and Local 145. Tap was one of the Founding Fathers of the San Diego Firefighters Federal Credit Union, 1984.
Tap was an accomplished golfer and at one time had a 3 handicap and at least one hole in one. Throughout the years he also enjoyed snow and water skiing, mountain biking, fishing, and sailing. Tap was an avid Padre, Charger and SDSU Aztec fan and enjoyed season passes for many years – 51 years in the case of the Aztecs, tailgating with friends the entire time.
Tap was preceded in death by his parents Tappin and Jeanne Gorman. Tap is survived by his wife, Linda Ricks, daughter Tiffany (Sean) granddaughter Skyler, son Tappin III (Laura) grandchildren Tappin IV, Caitlin, & Brittney, son Tim (Kristin) granddaughters Tigerlily & Zephyr. His sisters Jeanne Haymes (Larry) of Texas and Terry Maxwell of Arizona; Tap's Uncle Al Weymiller of WA plus many wonderful friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.
We thank the Staff at White Sands of La Jolla's Skilled Nursing Facility for their excellent care and kindness.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Tap's name to the Burn Institute: https://www.burninstitute.org/make-a-gift/donate
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