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JOHN GORA Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN GORA
Sponsored by his loving family, his parents, and the Whites.
Matthew Brown
November 23, 2024
Hey buddy. Hard to believe it´s been so long since you passed. It still feels so recent that we were playing basketball together and going to class together. So many fun memories that we shared growing up. I appreciate that we were able to have those memories and that I have the opportunity to share those memories and your legacy with others. I know you´re doing well up in heaven enjoying all that it has to offer. Love you John! We´ll see you soon man
Tamara
November 23, 2024
Thinking of you often John. Can´t believe it´s been 12 years. Continue to shine your light upon us. We really miss you!!!
Loretta White
November 22, 2024
We really miss you John...you were such a fun loving guy with a big personality and so handsome and talented and sweet to top it all off!
Hope you´re having fun hanging with grandma and Papa... we love you and miss you sooooo very much!
Love,
Aunt Loretta
Aly
November 21, 2024
Always holding you & your beautiful family close to my heart ...especially today.
Eelen GORA
November 21, 2024
Oh John
What happy Memories have of you and love how you pop into my mind so often!
So fun people remember you!
You are such a dear heart!
Love Always Mom
Albert Gora
December 29, 2023
Johnny
Seeing you fly off the back of a wave.
Airborne, arms out like a seagull
skimming the water, cuz it is so good, to feel alive.
To breathe the delicious air.
To be supported by the water,
yet having to bargain with its power.
How ironic, or is it just fair?
Always humbled by the ocean´s moods, even entertained by its danger without a thought for it´s part.
Or maybe, you were waiting for retaliation against your playful daring.
You flew to and from the ocean.
I´m sorry you didn´t return from your last flight, or, ... perhaps,
your always here.
We just have to bargain with
the seemingly infinite power of the universe,
to see you and to miss you and to feel alive.
Matt Brown
November 22, 2023
Hey buddy. 11 years later and your memory still lives on. That´s the impact you´ve left on our lives. I used to wonder from time to time what it meant when people say "legends never die", but I know the meaning to that saying now. John G. is a legend whose memory carries on through the stories we share with others. He may be gone physically but he continues to live in us and through us. I miss you, man, and I love you. Hold it down in heaven until we meet again.
Stephanie Shirk
November 21, 2023
I´m sorry John, it´s been 11 years. Your aunt is extremely math challenged.!
Stephanie Shirk
November 21, 2023
Hi John I think of you so often and wonder what you would be doing if you were still here. I think I know what you would be doing. We miss you more than you would have ever guessed. Nine years doesn´t seem so long in that context because The memory of you in this life is still so fresh! Until we meet again, dear nephew,
Your aunt Steph
Sarah
November 23, 2022
You are with us always brother! 10 years have past and yet you are missed today as much as ever. We love you!
Tamara
November 22, 2022
Thinking of you JFG. We miss you. Continue to watch over us. Xo
Matthew Brown
November 21, 2022
What´s up, Big John. Another year has come and gone, and yet we love and miss you just the same (if not now more than ever). I still think about our time on the playground and on the basketball court and just having fun and enjoying life. Those memories will live on forever, my man, and so will you. You are never forgotten and always loved. I pray you´re looking down on us and smiling at how far we´ve come in this life. And someday, we´ll meet again and share some good times on the heavenly blacktop/b-ball court. Just go easy on me lol it´s been a while since I´ve picked up a ball.
Love you big guy.
Aunt Loretta
November 21, 2022
Hello to you John... I´ve thought about you off and on this entire day... We all miss you terribly and would so love to sit down and have a visit... hope you Grama and Papa are having lots of great chats. Love you so much sweetheart! Aunt Loretta XoXo
Stephanie Shirk
November 21, 2022
I miss you John and wish with all my heart that you were still here! It would be so great to hear about all of your adventures. Reality is difficult sometimes!
Much love,
Aunt Steph.
Aly
November 21, 2022
Miss you & love you John
Stephanie Cecile Shirk
January 2, 2022
Dear John,
Happy Belated Birthday, exactly 1 week ago today! I spent it with Steve & his family. Steves' son, Ian, continues to greatly resemble you; he's 3 yrs. old now. Steve, Kim & I shared some of our memories of you on our birthday as we continue to miss you. Rarely a day goes by without me thinking of you and wishing you all the blessings in Gods' Universe now that your spirit is free to enjoy them :-) You are very much missed by Steve, Kim & I!! Much Love, OXXO Aunt Steph
Sarah McPeake
November 21, 2021
Dear John,
We watched your video tonight. I miss you so much! I wish you were here to be with us, to meet your 3 nieces that think you are the best, to share you life adventures, to share your witt and humor, your perspective on life and real time events, to do mundane nonsense with and just grow old with. You are so missed! The pictures bring me back to so many fond memories and I´m so grateful to have experienced so much wonderful life with you in it. Love you a lot! Love, Your sister forever
Jim & Penny
November 21, 2021
We think of you often and miss your great smile.
Matt Brown
November 21, 2021
Hey buddy! Just wanted to stop by to let you know that I miss you. Another year has come and gone, but not many days go by that you don´t come to mind. We shared a lot of great times and a lot of great memories. I´m happy to have had those opportunities. Rest easy, John. Love you.
Tamara
November 21, 2021
I can't believe its been 9 years! As Thanksgiving begins to come back around, memories of you begin to flood in, especially our last conversation. I think about you often and you are very much missed.
xo
Tamara
Aly
November 21, 2021
Thinking of you, remembering you, and missing you, today and always
Albert Gora
February 9, 2021
Sonali and everyone posting:
Thank you so very much!
We miss John everyday but it brings us such joy to read the fond memories that friends and family share.
Thank You Again! ❤❤
Al & Eelen (John’s Parents)
Sonali Kumar
February 7, 2021
My freshman year at Cathedral we were asked, “Who’s the most alive person you know?” Often when I feel this existential dread coming on, I think of you. Your love of Adam Sandler movies, your carefree outlook on life, your endless jokes. It’s ironic that the person who I look to for guidance on how to be the most alive I can be is not here anymore, but that is life. I also marvel at how you were only in my life for a few short months and we didn’t know each other well, yet I still remember you years later and miss your jokes.
Stephanie Shirk
December 26, 2020
Happy 30th Birthday, John!! :-)
I am 70 & Steve will be 40 on his next B-day; we are synchronized, right?
I think of you often. My little grandson Ian reminds me of you. Ian is Scottish for John, more synchronicity! Ian reminds me of you a bit in looks but mostly b/c he is hilarious & such a character! You'd love him!!
I miss you very much but MOSTLY on our birthday; we had so many great ones!! Catch some heavenly birthday & 2021 waves & give your Grandma & Papa a kiss for me.
I love you, John & we all miss you terribly!!!!
OXXO
Aunt Steph
Aly
December 26, 2020
Happy heavenly birthday John! Miss seeing you, that twinkle in your eye, your knowing smirk, the sound of your voice. I will be thinking of you today...and know you & grandma & papa are up there together having a party of your own & watching over us...and probably all really glad you don’t have to wear a mask! :)
love you! Xoxo
Eelen GORA
November 23, 2020
Matt
Your photo of you two brings me such a warm smile!
I love how John saw you as the friend he would like to replace him as alter server in Het and Mark’s wedding.
Thanks again Matt for your post and this picture!
It’s such a special photo of you two!
Love to you,Abby ,your Mom,Dad and Eric from Al and me
Eelen
Matthew Brown
November 22, 2020
I sure do miss you, buddy. Crazy to think it’s been 8 years already but I can assure you, your memory lives on in the stories we tell, the memories we have, and the love you’ve inspired. I love you, man. I hope 2020 has been better in heaven than it has been here on earth. ❤
Eelen GORA
November 22, 2020
Thanks Loretta
Thanks Tamara
This year I had several moments of really missing you John
You would be 30 this year!
Pat has had his 30th BDay
The party Alicia gave him was spectacular and all that was missing was You!
I can envision a photo of you Pat and Spencer!
You 3 knew each other when you were so young and spent years as friends!
All your nieces and nephews are growing into people who would love spending time with you!
Your Dad,me,Het,Sar ,Daniel,Mark,Dom
All your many aunts,uncles,cousins, spouses, second cousins
All would love seeing you
My friend Mary joined you late last month!
She gave you your Bible which I love
She was such a special wise,kind friend to me especially all these years since you passed.
So Cheers to you John!!!
So glad you are watching our lives .
This is comforting to think of you cheering us all on!
What a year it has been!
Love you dearly
Mom
Loretta White
November 21, 2020
I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately... and missing you so... you were such a beautiful bright light in our family. I remember shortly before we lost you , you popped in the Ascot Shop and you ran upstairs to say hi to Angela and Jaxson (she always brought him to work as an infant) . Jaxson is now 8 and his looks his intelligence his zest for life and his sparkle so reminds me of you ! From day 1 I thought he looked like you. I know you’re with us and can see it as well. Just wish you were here ... miss you sooo much John you were such a beautiful addition to this family and are missed so much by all of your family and friends!
Love ❤ you so much... Aunt Loretta XoXo
Tamara Sarafijanovic
November 21, 2020
JFG! I can’t believe it’s been 8 years. I still think about you often and stop by your grave. 2020 has been a crazy year and you’d probably be in Mexico surfing right now :) miss you very much & hope you’re watching over us. Love u!
Albert Gora
March 27, 2020
Beautiful words Jason and Matt!
Thank You!
John's Dad,
Al
Jason Sporer
March 25, 2020
Thinking of you so much these days! I miss more than words can describe. We had so much more to do and so many more surf trips to go on. My heart hurts knowing that my son will never get to meet you but I know your looking down on us smiling. Hopefully your getting endless waves up there. Love you John! Im sorry I never told you that when I had the chance.
Matthew Brown
November 21, 2019
I miss you, man. I hope the waves are big and awesome up there. Love you
Eelen Gora
November 21, 2019
Love to you dear John!
Love that you are with Jesus!
So many of us miss you because you were so great to be around!
Your uniqueness was such a pleasure for us to encounter.
As our third child your individuality blended so well in our family and all our extended family and friends!
Your enthusiasm was heart warming!
I love how I asked for more children before I conceived you!
I loved the many days of raising you and seeing your love for us and what you explored in life.. Your quiet astute perspective and bold responses in some cases let us know your heart felt love for us.
Sometimes you were misunderstood and I'm so thankful that if anyone stopped to take a good look at how you were engaging life they would have concluded that your responses of love and caring were the underlined theme. None of us can claim perfection so I prayed love would be the response of us all. I'm glad Incould see this in you!
Just a few moments ago there was a rainbow out our front Window!
A nice treat for today!
So dear John as always I miss you!!!
I've had many wonderful days since your passing and I contribute this to the love Christ has for me and all of us!I have wanted to be carried by Him through loosing you because this is a heart ache that only He has helped me bear!
Our wonderful family and friends are such a blessing!
I love how you are with our family and friends in eternity waiting for me and the rest of us.
I'm ever so thankful for the gift of you that God gave me as your Mom!
Love you dearly John!
Mom
Cecilia Clark
November 21, 2019
Thinking of you today cousin John...Youre family misses you, but I hope youre ripping it up there in Heaven. Big hugs and Say hi to gramma and papa for me.
Sarah
November 21, 2019
Still missin you everyday JFG xo
Aly Barajas
November 21, 2019
Thinking of you John, remembering the twinkle in your eye, your smile, the sound of your voice. We miss you buddy! Love you, Aly xo
Matthew Brown
March 24, 2019
Thinking of you tonight, buddy. Honestly, I think of you often. I sure do miss you, but I'll see you someday. Until then, shred some heavenly waves for us.
December 28, 2017
So John, it's 2 days after our birthday, you're 27yrs & 2 days and I'm, well, you know :-) Stevie says since he can't fish or surf with you anymore, he'll most likely stay in Hawaii since you are his closest cousin. You are always thought about by us and always will be, especially this time of year!! The candle is for both of us :-)
XXXOOO Much Love,
Auntie Steph
Aly Barajas
December 26, 2017
Happy heavenly birthday Johnny! We love you & miss you always and especially today. You're in our hearts and in our thoughts constantly my dear cousin.
Love,
Aly
Ella Kovalcheck
November 23, 2017
Dear John,
Thinking of you today (and many other days) and wishing you were with us as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day.
Love you,
Aunt Ella
Melissa and John Cochran
November 22, 2017
We remember you today, John, and pray for peace for your soul. You are much missed, dear one.
John and Melissa
Stephanie Shirk
November 21, 2017
Remembering You today as I plan my next trip trip Hawaii and how my belief was that you would be there with Steve & Kim, at least for awhile.
XO Love to my Nephew!!
Tamara Sarafijanovic
November 21, 2017
Thinking of you today ♥
Pascuales
Al Gora
November 20, 2017
Johnny,
We miss your many stories of fishing, surfing, friendships and your totally hilarious & unusual take on things.
What fun it was sitting around shooting the breeze about all things life and living.
We miss your so!!!
We love you man!!!
Dad & Mom
Al Gora
November 20, 2017
Al Gora
November 20, 2017
December 26, 2016
Happy Birthday John! We miss you buddy! Kids & I said a prayer for you this morning and we hope you are having a great celebration in heaven...whooping it up with Papa! :)
Love you,
Aly & family xoxo
Stephanie Shirk
December 25, 2016
Here's a birthday candle John. Every 12/26 I remember the many birthdays we shared, my favorite ones!!!
Since your last birthday you got 4 new cousins and a new niece, Cecilia Joy. Steve & Kim named their son Isaac John, after you.
You are very much missed by all of us and we love you!!
Until we meet again.....XXOO Aunt Steph
St Vincent's dance
Matthew Brown
November 23, 2016
I miss you buddy. Everyday I am reminded of you and the good times we had at St. Vincent's.
Albert Gora
November 21, 2016
Hi John,
Thinking about you everyday buddy, but this day, November 21st, is the toughest!
I dream about you often and they are always great. They seem so real and you seem so close.
Your warmth, caring smile and presence are so powerful in these dreams.
I am profoundly grateful that we can have these times together!
Love,
Pops
Eelen Gora
December 28, 2015
I have a correction to my 12-26-15 post. I meant to say 'lighting candles' not lighting flowers! Happy New year! I love hearing from John's friends! Eelen
December 26, 2015
As we celebrate John's birthday today it has been so nice for me to see that some one or a group has been bringing flowers,then a Christmas tree and lighting flowers at his grave site. Really is so special! We so miss him and know he is in joy in heaven with Jesus. Merry Christmas and Happy new year everyone! XO Eelen
November 21, 2015
Hi John,
Hard to believe it's been 3 years. We love you and miss you. I'm sure you're in heaven with your grandpa Ed. Loads of love, Aunt and Godmother Ella
tamara
November 20, 2015
Hi John!
Thinking of you often! Tomorrow is a tough day for many of us. We all miss you a ton and I always think of you as a butterfly...when one comes around after I think of you and say "Hi John"..I know you're around watching over us! Probably making fun of us though ;)
much love
tam!
Rob O'Keefe
October 8, 2015
John,
We didn't know each other well, but know we likely could have been great friends if we had gotten the opportunity to spend more time together.
You cross my mind often. I'm a mutual friend of the Reno family & to that note, I attended your funeral with DonnaMarie. We only shared a few words with each other in the short time that we knew each other. The impression you left with me & so many others was one of warmth & impact. Powerful & unconditional warmth. In those moments when our paths did cross, I got a sense of the depth of your personality & character.
Reading the posts below from your family & friends builds an incredible picture of the person you are & continue to be for the lives that you touched. A source of spontaneity, entertainment & love. It's an awesome legacy man. Your presence is missed by many & just wanted you to know that we're still thinking about you & continue to love you unconditionally just like you did for for all of us.
You lived. And I'm going to keep trying to do the same.
Much love John.
Rob O'Keefe
Sonali Kumar
August 31, 2015
I was spending some time looking up people from my past tonight. I thought of you, and wondered how you were doing, whether we could catch up. I thought you would just be off the grid and never thought you were actually gone.
Anyway, you probably don't even remember me. I was in your biology class when I was a freshman and you were a sophomore in mr. Montali's class at Cathedral. You traded gum for my homework frequently even though we were both struggling through that class. Remember Parker? I pretended I didn't like getting picked on, but of course I loved it lol. You were so funny! Now I wish I can pick up some of your humor and carefree spirit! Anyway I hope you're doing well, wherever you are. Pray for me if you do that.
December 26, 2014
Well John, here we have another birthday; you are 24 & I am 64. I am missing my "birthday buddy" & I guess I always will but I have you in my heart & in my mind. Your spirit remains with us!
As Always~Much Love,
Aunt Steph
XXXOOO
November 21, 2014
Dear John, It's already been 2 years and still around and around I go in my mind~wondering what could have been. I now believe that you made the choice that, for whatever reasons, made the most sense to you at the time. I know it is irrelevant whether or not I like it however I have learned to respect your choice~it was, after all, your choice to make. You are very much alive in the hearts and minds of your family therefore you will never be truly gone.
Steve & Kim got married on Nov. 5th in Hawaii; you would have liked watching your wonderful Dad as he did a beautiful job of officiating the ceremony!!
We miss you and love you and always will!!
Much Love,
XXXOOO Aunt Steph
Andee
September 30, 2014
I thought of you today, John. I think of you often, especially now that I'm teaching 6th grade. I think back to our days in 6th grade and how much of an impact you had on our entire class. The class clowns I teach will always remind me of you. Rest in peace.
December 27, 2013
Dear John,
We celebrated your life last night and wished you happy birthday, along with Stephanie and Frankie's birthday. You would have been 23 years old yesterday. We love you dearly and think of you all the time. I know you are in heaven now, and I sure hope you are getting all these messages. Loads of love, Aunt Ella
December 26, 2013
Happy Birthday John!
I thought of you with love today, just like so many other days....but today had something new
today you would be 23 and I would not be blue.
Now I have no "Birthday Buddy" but as I speak your name I recall the cherished memories as I see your picture in the frame.
In case your wondering why the fuss
this feeling comes from all of us:
God has you in His keeping
we have you in our hearts.
Although we can speak no more, your memory is always there because every night before I sleep I have you in my prayers.
XXXOOO Love Always,
Aunt Steph
November 22, 2013
My condolences for the loss of John Gora. Keeping in mind the scriptural hope of everlasting life can help to sustain you during this difficult time. John 17:3.
Sincerely ,
Valeria
November 21, 2013
I can't believe it's been a year since your body left us here on earth John. YOU haven't left us, because you are in our memory and loving thoughts everyday. I've been thinking of you a lot lately. I've been reading the book "Proof of Heaven." The author's near death experience of "life after life" sounds like a wonderful place to be. I know you are there now, and we'll all be joining you sooner or later, whenever our time comes. In the meantime, we love you and think good thoughts of you every day of our lives. Aunt Ella, your God Mother
Eelen Gora
November 21, 2013
November21,2013. To Our Dear Family and Friends, I thank The Lord for all of you and your love, kindness and friendship to us this past year. You all have truly been a gift from God to eash of us as we have navigated through this year since John's passing. We feel blessed beyond measure and I can only contribute this to you all being the people with whom Christ blessed us to show His great love and grace that He extends to all and especially in a time like this past year. As I remember John on this day I am filled with gratitude for all my blessings and look forward to years ahead with you all being part of my life whenever our paths cross. Until we meet again. With love Ee, Mom, Eelen, Auntie Ee
Stephanie Shirk
November 20, 2013
Dear John,
It's been a year since I heard the news that horrible day
I never thought we'd lose you that way....
I'm going surfing or fishing I'd heard you say
but you didn't go surfing or fishing.....you're gone and there's no getting you back,
you left us with memories of which there is no lack!
We miss you so much, there's a void in our hearts as we wish we could have lived our lives not having to be apart!
I've given up wishing you'd come back to fill this hole,
the one you made when your body left your soul.
I know you're gone I just wish I'd known....
so after the last time I saw you I would have phoned.
I'd have told you how much I loved you and the impact of your smile and how I didn't think we'd do well without you....
not even for awhile.
Although you're gone and out of sight, you're definitely not out of mind....
you've flown away and left us all behind.
It's been a year and it's safe to say,
I still think about you every day,
I might not hope or even pray,
I just love and miss you in my own way.....
and know that you understand how much you meant to all of us.
Good-bye for now,
XXXOOO
Aunt Steph
Cece Clark
November 10, 2013
John-
In our hearts forever, you will live.
To see you again, anything we would give.
We talk of you often, you are still present.
The conversations—though heart-aching—are ever so pleasant.
Like Aly, you have come to me in a dream also.
We were at the beach and the sun was beaming.
You were happy and smiling in the most peaceful of ways.
I don't think it is a coincidence that you visit us while we are dreaming.
We look at life differently now, that will never change.
I have more compassion; everyday is more than just an exchange.
You have made me be a better person.
With all my love,
Your cousin Cece
Bobby Naima
October 23, 2013
Miss you John. I was @ Gelato Vero today, It reminded me of the first time you took me. I got a gallon of the Espresso Bean in your Honor! " Why eat lunch when you can eat ice cream"
Love You Gora
Aly
October 2, 2013
This heart skipped a beat today as it often does because I saw someone who resembled you.
This mind is filled with thoughts of you with every ambulance that passes and every surfer and every fisherman and every skateboarder and every blue SUV I see I think and wish it could be you.
These ears can still hear the distinct sound of your voice.
These eyes fill with tears so easily...a song, a glimpse, a memory, a picture, a quiet moment to feel the depth of sorrow.
This soul will never be the same, the path to carry such sadness is unpaved.
How can it feel like forever ago but at the same time feel like yesterday that we lost you?
The dream I had of you last night was a good one...
You were in a grey sweatshirt, your hair was longer, you were standing at a distance, smiling, with your arms crossed.
You were calm, serene and peaceful. You seemed proud to be watching over us, protecting us. We saw you and were so excited to run up to you and hug you and spin you around in a giant bear hug, and my tears wouldn't stop flowing.
It was beautiful...I will look forward to that when we meet again my dear cousin.
You are so missed.
Stephanie Shirk
August 21, 2013
Dear John,
Today it is 9 mos since you left us & it is also a Wed. When do you think I will stop thinking this way? I heard it takes 8 yrs & I'm beginning to understand why that is so since your departure is still so fresh. I think of you every morning when I go to the gym. The empty Crown Royal bag your Mother gave me of yours is where I keep my car keys etc. during my class. It's good to remember each day because I don't ever want to forget you & the way your presence enhanced our lives;the day you were born was one of the happiest of my life. I hope you understand the extent of that now. Thank You for all the good memories!
You are Forever in Our Hearts! XXXOOO
Much Love,
Your Aunt Steph
Sarah Gora
June 17, 2013
Oh John Francis - I can't say I never thought about the idea of losing you... I just never imagined this is how or when you would be taken...It was supposed to be a big wave or one of the other adventurous activities you talked about doing...that would have been a bit more OK
I see you everywhere....
I see you every time I look into the clouds, in the ocean, in nature, in the little boy riding a skateboard, in the ambulance driving by
I often times have to double take because I see you...
You will forever be:
-that tender, scared of the dark, 2 year old I would read the same book to every night, or for that matter you would recite to me from memorization: "I love you forever, I like you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be"
-that persistent, 7 year old doing skateboarding tricks over and over in the alley on the ramps dad made you...360 kick flip...ollie....repeat
-that hardworking deckhand taking me out fishing at 4:30am taking care of me, showing me how to catch a yellowfin tuna, meanwhile helping customers and making friends with all
-that same pre-teen deckhand who would defend his older sister and friends with all his might, until he was shaking, when an older pig would make cat calls us girls.
-that teenager with a twinkle in his eye that wouldn't let me take his picture or would find a way to do something ridiculous to make everyone laugh
-that playful little brother that I could wrestle with forever and laugh with until he made me cry
-that witty sparing partner
-that loyal friend that I could just hang out with
-that attention seeking sibling that wanted to dominate the conversations with mom and dad
-that generous brother that always wanted to either give the very best christmas gifts or not show up at all and tell us not to give him anything
-that handsome 21 year old waxing surfboards and organizing fishing tools
-that loving uncle who cherished his sweet nieces and nephew
-that reliable friend that picked me up whenever I needed a ride driving nice and smooth, listening to Bob Marley, with the seats down in the back surfboard in tow
-that person I always hoped would answer the phone when I called home
-that 21 year old that didn't like to run but still went running with me right before we lost you....
You were never scared of death...it came too soon
You had a 1 track mind...
You said it like it was and weren't afraid to be honest
You make me scared to say goodbye to the ones I hold near and dear to my heart in fear that I may not see them again
You will always be one of my favorite people to be with...one of the most interesting at that
My favorite to defend
I will forever be proud of you and all of your accomplishments
I will forever try to be more like you in one way or another
Intelligent
Charming
Loving
Couragous
Sensitive
Thoughtful
Generous
Playful
Persistent
Adventurous
Driven
Precious
Hilarious
Simple
Organized
Hard working
Although you took a part of all of us with you that day, I will be at peace...
You are with me everyday...
Always in my mind
In my heart
In my tears
In my thoughts and prayers
I love you forever, I like you for always, as long as I'm living, my bro--bro you'll be
May 21, 2013
That last entry was from your Aunt Loretta,
I forgot to sign it...
May 21, 2013
It's hard to believe you left us 6 months ago,
Our hearts are forever broken, we miss you more than you could ever imagine, no jokin',
You've made dying seem less frightening , as the thought of seeing your sweet face again would be heart lightning,
and wrap our arms around you again would be eternally brightening .
We love you so much John.
Stephanie Shirk
May 20, 2013
It is now 6 months since you left. It feels like a long time & a short time all at the same time. I still cannot believe you are not coming back! We all think of you every day & miss you so very much! 'Til we meet again.......
XXXOOO Aunt Steph
Aly
April 29, 2013
We think of you and miss you every single day John. You are forever in our hearts. We love you.
Janet Iverson
April 28, 2013
God holds John tenderly in his hands as he always has. He holds John's family and friends closely too. May you all feel his loving presence every day. Our love and prayers are with you. I just read of John,s death today from Susie. Love, Minit
January 22, 2013
You left us 2 months ago today John. It hasn't gotten much easier yet but I'm beginning to understand. We all miss you and always will. XXXOOO Steph
December 29, 2012
Dear Jesus, Be not
to him a judge, but a Saviour,
Though many tears for him are shed,
Tho' hearts are rent with parting pain,
yet who'd recall the happy dead
or bring the blessed soul back again.
Ah why should we grieve that the spirit
has flown to the heaven of rest where no sorrow is known.
Patrizia Rallo Guidi
December 29, 2012
To The Gora Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Eelen announcing she was pregnant with John. Oh the excitement we saw in your family that day. I only remember John as a little baby. But I have seen through all the guest book entries and Facebook comments that he grew up to be a fine young man. I'm praying that God is with all of you during this sad time.
God bless you,
Patrizia "Trish"
Nancy McKinnon-Richard
December 29, 2012
Albert & Eelen, Heather, Sarah, Daniel & Family, Although we have never met, we are relatives still. My family & I send our continued thoughts & prayers to each of you. We will all be together again, someday in paradise........in Heaven Above. Your Uncle Bart & Aunt Helen McKinnon's granddaughter.......Nancy & Family
Mark, Julia, Katie, mark jr. , John Reynolds
December 29, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the gora family
Jacob Kloberdanz
December 29, 2012
Happy belated John. You are still missed and loved by many.
Dad
December 27, 2012
John, My Son, Today is your Birthday.
The 26th of December, a day to remember.
We talked, we laughed and we surely played,
Oh how I wish You only had stayed.
But life is a gift and life is a mystery
And a man has left, only his history.
You gave it your all, as only you could.
You gave only the quarters that you thought you should.
Yet in the end, you were your own worst critic, while forgiving
Any offender and seeing in them, ... only Thier Good.
I was blessed to know you and to be your friend,
What more could I ask when faced with your end.
You left much to be proud of, your surely did.
Straight action you valued, your statements were big.
We'll carry on with your best, to honor your heart,
Your caring with fierce kindness to those you loved,
For that was you from the very start.
Stephanie Shirk
December 26, 2012
22 Candles for 22 years.
Hope it's a great party in heaven but we sure do miss you here on earth!!
Stephanie Shirk
December 26, 2012
Dear John,
On this your 22nd birthday, my heart is breaking.
So many conversations we never got to have.
Nothing I can write could express how sad and empty I feel today.
If I'd only known the depth of your grief, I'd have done all in my power to offer relief.
You hid it so well and on this you'd not want me to dwell.
Pain is all I feel as I keep wishing your absence wasn't real.
Do you know how many lives you touched? Did you know how many people loved you so much?
The memories I keep are all in my mind as I search my soul for more to find.
We never got to say good-bye and I guess we won't get to find out why.
My eyes fill with tears as I realize I shall miss you all thru the years!!!
XXXOOO Much Love Always,
Aunt Steph
aka: birthday buddy
Steve Shirk
December 26, 2012
John, there were so many avenues to explore, so much time left, so much to learn. We talked about so many things we could do with our lives and I looked forward to it. I respected so many things about you and I wish I told you more. I pictured us retired on an island somewhere, old and grumpy. We'll see each other again. Steve
Alysson Barajas
December 26, 2012
Happy birthday Johnny...I hope the celebration up in heaven is wonderful. We miss you dearly. Love Aly xoxo
Frank Dillinger
December 25, 2012
Mr. & Mrs Gora, I got your message, But did not get your email address so i can send my mailing address.
Please email me back, and i will send it to you.
[email protected]
Steve, Tara, Stephanie, Andrew, Jesse, and Eryn Humphrey
December 22, 2012
To Eelen, Al, and "the kids"
Our hearts are broken over your loss of John. We are thinking about all of you each day, and know that you are in our prayers.
love,
Cousin Steve
Charlie and Luke Barajas
December 21, 2012
Charlie and Luke said that John was really cool and they loved wrestling with him and they are going to miss him.
Alysson Barajas
December 21, 2012
John,
I loved you since the day you were born-1 cousin to another
In fact I felt like you were more my little brother.
In your passing I find no reason, no rhyme
My biggest wish is that we just had more time.
You come from a family so loved and admired
It is commonly said how many they've inspired.
Unconditional love they gave to you somehow wasn't enough
I'm sorry your life still felt so tough.
You lived a life true to yourself
And that is the greatest kind of wealth.
You lit up a room by just walking in,
I loved to see your mischievous grin.
You were always so real and so true
That is something I truly admired in you.
The stories you would tell
You always told so well
Held captive by your tale
My laughter would never fail.
You fiercely protected those that you love
You were someone the world needs more of.
I felt safer knowing you were near
And now its my memories I hold so dear.
It was an honor to know you
And a privilege too
and now I am left feeling so sad and so blue.
Tears continue to fall like rain
My desire is to take away all of the pain.
If I could wipe it away from your heart I would
Erase it for your family if I could.
I wish you could know how much it is worth
If we could be with you longer on earth.
Waking up every day and wishing it was a bad dream
Hoping and praying things aren't as they seem.
In an effort to heal my broken heart
I am comforted to know we won't always be apart.
You and your family are in my thoughts every day
I only wish there was more I could say to take the hurt away.
A hole will forever be in my heart
But I will always do my part
To cherish your memory and hold you dear
With you protecting us from above we shall have no fear
For you have paved the way
And we shall all be together again one day.
I love you and I miss you.
Aly
December 19, 2012
You never said you're leaving
You never said goodbye
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knows why.
A million times I've missed you,
A million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still
In my heart you hold a place,
That nobody could ever fill.
It broke my heart to lose you,
But you didn't go alone
For part of me went with you,
The day God took you home.
I love you and miss you so much Johnny boy. Love, Aunt Loretta
Maureen Mac Niallais
December 19, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 7, 2012
Dear John,
You were taken from us way too soon
Your precious age of only 21
We will never understand the "why"
You will be missed until the day we die
We love you more than words can say
And pray for strength each and every day
Now that you're with our loving Maker
Please pray for us to join you someday in God's Heavenly acres.
Your loving aunt and Godmother, Ella
Penny Bostian
December 5, 2012
You will be missed
Stephanie Shirk
December 5, 2012
Forever in my heart.
Stephanie Shirk
December 5, 2012
Forever in my heart.
December 4, 2012
Johnny, Johnny we love you so,
Your smile, your laugh, your easy way, you know.
Your courage, your caring, your friends, your daring.
Your giving, your living, your offending and forgiving.
Your company was rich and fun and full,
You were honest and blunt, no punches did you pull.
We shall hold dear to our hearts your unique and precious ways,
In our memory all of our remaining days.
Kindness, hardwork, loyalty, playfulness and all.
Your loving spirit, imagination and your thoughtfulness we'll hold,
To cherish and spread your manner so bold!
- Dad
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