1945 – 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Kenneth Gorham, who died suddenly at his home in Claresholm, Alberta, on July 31, 2025, at the age of 80.
Ron will be lovingly remembered by his three sons: Ken, and his children Brett, Ryan, and Eliana; Darryl (Diane), and their children Hannah, Hailee, and Cory; and Wayne (Michelle), and their children Kaitlynn, Mitch, and Emma. He is also survived by his brother, Glenn of Calgary, and his sister, Lorie of Denver, Colorado.
Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Frank and Bernice, Ron spent his youth in Claresholm. As a teenager, he worked at his father’s garage and on his Uncle Elling Lunde’s ranch, often alongside his beloved horse, Cloudy. These early years were filled with hard work, family connection, and a growing love of sports that stayed with him throughout his life.
Ron married Janet Fjordbotten (Jeske) of Granum, and together they moved to Calgary, where he began a successful sales career. He worked with Taylor Pearson, Polaroid, and 3M. In 1979, his role with 3M took the family to Toronto, and in 1982, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona. In 1988, Ron returned to Calgary, where he worked for Crown Paper, Western Cinevision, and Sharps Audio Visual before retiring.
In 1995, he married Sylvia Hordyski, gaining step-children Erin Hordyski-Luong (and step-grandchildren Lena and Arden), Nancy Hordyski, and Miles Hordyski.
In 2015, Ron returned to Claresholm to embrace retirement. He enjoyed frequent trips to Phoenix, remained active with the Alberta Mustangs Auto Club, and was proud to found Calgary’s Wild Wednesday Show & Shine. He was also deeply committed to giving back to the community, serving as both Chairman and Director of Prostaid Calgary.
A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carriage House in Calgary.
Ron’s passions were many: classic cars, Monday men’s golf, cheering on NFL teams, the Calgary Stampeders, and the Flames. Above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends, and his warmth, integrity, and sense of humor left an unforgettable mark on all who knew him.