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DANIEL GORHAM Obituary

DANIEL KELLY GORHAM A man who committed the majority of his energy celebrating other's successes and accomplishments while burying his own, carefully listening rather than speaking and advocating for other's before himself. I am offered this rare, yet unfortunate, privilege of feebly attempting to finally highlight a few of the wonderful particles of vital dust that was Daniel Kelly Gorham. I say this, because without question, he would be the one best suited to author it. A skilled writer, avid reader, word smith and unparalleled storyteller; always adding the perfect dose of fiction and exaggeration. However, the emphasis, would have inevitably, drifted from himself towards the lives of the people for whom he loved. Dan was an underappreciated athlete, playing a vital role in both the Albuquerque Academy Football and Wrestling teams, including a stint playing both sports at Washington University in St Louis. State & National record holder for attempted date solicitations in both the Restaurant (Geronimo) & Grocery Store (Whole Food's) categories. A profoundly skilled lyricist, author of numerous award-winning songs and accomplished finger-pick guitarist. Possessed a discriminating and adept ability to curse. A dedicated runner, lover of the back country and key member of the St John's Search & Rescue team. Unquestionably humble, irrelevant of the setting or audience. He possessed a keen and rare understanding of the fundamentally important things in life. A fearless traveler, despite what he may have said. The undisputed, number one customer of both the Doodlet's & I Love Taos stores in Santa Fe and Taos, respectively. A boundlessly tender and caring Father, Father-In Law & Grandfather, without the benefit of personal experience or example. A fearless and dogged friend to so many. A proud member of the Gorham 5. So sad to report that we lost a good one and, from my perspective, the very best! Please come join to us in celebrating his life on August 30th at the Santa Fe Opera at 4:00 pm. The event will perfectly contradict his understated nature and will include music, food and drink.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from Aug. 22 to Aug. 25, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL GORHAM

Not sure what to say?





Richard

August 11, 2025

Daniel and I were friends from Kindergarten on. We both played guitar and spent hours playing together. Daniel was one of the funniest guys Ive ever known and he made me endlessly laugh. I will always miss his creativity, generosity and lightness of being. Dan was one of my best friends and will always miss him.

Carroll Dunham

August 16, 2024

Thinking of Dan with his beautiful voice and smile, playing the guitar. Sending love to all Gorhams at this time and always. And how can we ever forget Lyle Lovett's extraordinary tribute to Dan? Only Will could pull that off! Never forgotten- Dan you live on in our hearts.

Carroll Dunham

August 16, 2022

Dear Dan, wherever you are, whatever you are now, you are still quite alive in our hearts. I can hear your voice in my head, your intonation, your curiosity, your gentle kindness, your laughter, and your beautiful music. And how can we ever forget Will's unforgettable send off to you at the Opera? May you be playing music with the greats now. May your grandchildren embody the best of your qualities.

Carroll Dunham

August 25, 2021

It's been a little over 2 years since Dan's passing and Will's incredible never to be forgotten tribute at the Santa Fe Opera. I think of dear Dan and can hear his voice in my head, his beautiful music and kindness.

Fred Maas

October 4, 2019

Dan was a kind and generous person, he brought me joy every time we met. I miss his easwy smile and always supportive words. What a fine gentleman! Love and support to Will.

Michelle Monroe

August 29, 2019

My friend Dan, how I will miss you! It will take me a long time to stop waiting for you to come by with a new book and a discussion of all things great and small or to hear a delightful report on the loves of your life, Will, Heidi, Ford and Hudson. You were a wonderful pal and you made my life better. Bless you.

John Gluck

August 27, 2019

I met Dan when he was a student and I was a new professor at UNM. At first he worked with me studying primate behavior. Early on he made it clear that he was opposed to hurting them in any way. His Kindness woke me up. Love you Dan.

August 26, 2019

A beautiful soul he left us too soon. May we remember his song

G . H. H. Frith

August 25, 2019

An amazing and perfectly accurate and accute insight to a wonderful, brilliant, fine man and friend. The author nailed it 100%. You nailed it W. You nailed it.

Brian Dennard

August 25, 2019

Tom Cornish, Yes Dan will be sorely missed. please email me at [email protected]

Brian Dennard

August 24, 2019

Dan, Tim and I grew up together in our neighborhood from the age of about 10 on. La Washa Jr High, high school and college. When Dan came back to UNM from Wash U we (w Tim) spent a great deal of time together. We had a championship flag football team at UNM that Dan put together for the Psych dept. While my work took me far far away, we kept in touch and reminisced about our decades of friendship. He was one of the gentlest souls I have known. Now he is playing his Martin for the Angels. God bless his soul. I will miss him.

Eslee Kessler

August 23, 2019

Dan was a wonderfully kind person, he loved his life, and was always up for an adventure-and he was so proud of his grandchildren and son's family! Dan was my go-to buddy for any Taos dances and he loved and appreciated the richness of New Mexico life. I will miss our road trip talks and his open hearted enthusiasm very much! My deepest condolences to his family.

Kay Harvey

August 23, 2019

A super universally friendly and loving person. A friend to all and a very very charming guy. Funny and well received in the world with his big smile and open heart! Lots love, Kay

August 23, 2019

Adios Dan. Hate to see you go.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

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