WILLIAM GORMAN

GORMAN, William Patrick, died suddenly of a congenital heart defect at his home the evening of November 30, 2010. He was 17 years old, and a senior at both Godwin High School and the Center for the Arts at Henrico High School. He was an honors student preparing applications to art colleges. Patrick's triumphs over life-threatening illness throughout his life were numerous and astounding to the few who knew and understood. There were times when his parents were counseled to let him go, but Patrick surprised health professionals who thought they had seen it all. Most people were unaware of Patrick's many physical limitations, because he had an uncomplaining attitude and a beautiful smile. Patrick was a pioneer for the Aural Program for the Deaf in Henrico public schools. He was the first totally deaf child to successfully be mainstreamed with few accommodations. Several deaf students have followed that have benefited from Patrick's trail blazing. His gift as an artist was a wonder to those who beheld his paintings. His talent for producing accurate beauty was stunning. Patrick's drawings and paintings won many awards and praise. His friends at the Center for the Arts Honors School helped Patrick develop as a great artist through their competitiveness and encouragement. One of Patrick's self-portraits is displayed above. Patrick was a talented fly fisherman and skeet, trap and sporting clays shooter. He quickly outclassed his father/coach in both activities. In 2008, Patrick was part of a three-man shooting team that placed first in the Virginia State 4-H Senior Shotgun Championship, and first place in the Virginia State Scholastics Junior Clay Target Championship. In 2009, he competed in the National Scholastics Clay Target Championship in Sparta, Illinois. Patrick was best friend to his brother, Jack, and loved by his mother, Cabell, and father, Breck. As a baby, Patrick named his grandparents "Umpa" and "TooToo," and all the grandchildren who have followed know them by the names Patrick gave them. He was loved by all his aunts, uncles and cousins. A funeral service will be conducted Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Episcopal. Arrangements by the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad Street. A memorial fund to benefit educational travel for the students at the Henrico Center for the Arts has been created in his name. Donations may be made to: Friends of the Center for the Arts, memo: Patrick Gorman, 302 Azalea Ave., Henrico, Va. 23227.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.