John Casey O'Gorman

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

John died peacefully at home with his wife Joan York-O’Gorman by his side. Born in Toronto, the beloved son of John Thomas (Jack) O’Gorman and Kathleen Marie (nee Podger), he was a loving and supportive father to Thomas Casey, John Laughlin (d 1978) and Kathleen Marie, always there to provide wise and gentle counsel, warm hugs and a hand to steady and comfort. He had a warm and supportive role with his granddaughter Tarah.

From his early days in the Caledon countryside through his formative years at the Bohemian Embassy coffee house on St. Nicholas Street, where he immersed himself in poetry and music, and on to his more than 30 years in systems development with the Province of Ontario, John was always someone you could count on to roll up his sleeves, get his hands dirty, if required, and get the job done. He loved baling hay in Caledon; while still finding time to make mischief with cousins Anne and Jane, finding the poetry in his own life through workshops at the Bohemian Embassy and tackling systems projects at work.

In his retirement, he was able to rekindle his passion for social and environmental advocacy which had begun in the sixties with a focus on high quality, affordable day care. He rolled up his sleeves again with the Toronto Food Policy Council, Habitat for Humanity, Markham Conservation Committee, Toronto Environmental Alliance and many others. Through these activities he was able to champion causes such as urban farming, food security, watershed protection and community development.

In his own backyard, he created and nurtured a vegetable garden, where he really got his hands dirty. He loved tending tomatoes, digging potatoes, picking berries and sharing his bounty with friends and loved ones.

Together with Joan, he made several trips to Europe where he savoured the sights and sounds and tastes in Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Italy, Spain and most often France. He took great pleasure in seeing history come to life, tasting the local food and studying the landscapes and diverse cultures. He was most proud when Pierrot, a local farmer in the Lot and Garonne region, called him a good woodsman when he saw how much wood John had chopped for the farm next to his. He loved to pitch in and envisioned this wood keeping many people warm long after we had left.

He was kindhearted and loved to nourish those around him in body, mind and spirit. We will miss his exuberance, his laughter, his hugs and gentle guidance, not to mention the homegrown tomatoes and homemade jams. He set an example with his perseverance and determination in the face of life’s challenges and gave those of us who loved him dearly the strength we will need to carry on without him.

A small family service has been held in London, Ontario where he was currently residing. We hope to plan a gathering in the spring. If you wish to be notified of the details, please leave a message at [email protected].