Lester Gorn

1917 - 2016

Lester Gorn
Pacific Grove, CA
Lester Gorn, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died on April 26, 2016, just a few weeks short of his 99th birthday. He was born in Portland, Maine, the first son of Solomon and Regina Gorn.
Les wrote "The Anglo-Saxons", later published in soft cover under the title "The Greater Glory", a novel about the 1948 Israeli War for Independence. He published a novella and a number of short stories in The Art of the Traditional Short Story, and recently a story, "The Reunion" in JewishFiction.net.
In previous years, he was book editor and daily columnist for the San Francisco Examiner and wrote book reviews for the San Francisco Chronicle. He taught for many years (Story Lab, World Literature) at University of California Extension, Monterey Peninsula College, and the San Francisco Black Writers' Workshop.
A combat veteran of World War II, he served in North Africa and Italy. The Anglo-Saxons was based on his experiences as the only American C.O. in the Israeli war for independence. Under the nom de guerre Ben Zion Hagai, he commanded the 4th Troop (Anti-Tank) which participated in every major battle in the Negev. His company was the first Israeli force into Eilat.
Les had such a strong spirit, great integrity and a wonderful sense of humor. These qualities endeared him to people, young and old, wherever he went. His family was the backbone of his life. His writing was a sacred occupation for him, which he continued until a few months before his death.
He leaves Winifred, his wife of 62 years, four sons, Rick, David, Ted and Philip (daughters-in-law, Lorraine, Jeanine and Vanessa) and six grandchildren, Rebecca Rose, Daniel, Ricky, Serena, Jackson and Olivia.
He was pre-deceased by his parents, his sister, Helen, and his brother, Theodore.
Donations in his honor may be made to the Pacific Grove Library, Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula, Doctors Without Borders, or a charity of your choice.


View the online memorial for Lester Gorn