Dave Gorka Obituary

Dave Gorka attended Ontario High School in Mansfield, OH. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Dave Gorka.

Graduation Year	Class of 1971
Date of Passing	Apr 08, 2020
About	David Gilbert Gorka passed away April 8, 2020 as a result of complications from a heart attack. Dave died in a hospital in Las Cruces near his home in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where he and his wife and soulmate, Claudia Whitaker, owned and operated “The Launching Pad, RV and Cabin Park”. Dave was born July 18, 1953 in Lorain, Ohio. He was the son of Vera Marie Gorka and Joseph John Gorka. Dave graduated in 1971 from Ontario Senior High School in Ohio. Dave had a huge love of life. He was a natural born leader and imagineer. Much in the manner of Peter Pan. Dave had numerous creative pursuits, all of which he refused to approach from a conventional perspective. Many may remember Dave from the teen years when he dreamed up the IMRU International Mall Rat Union, of which he presided as Grand Poobah. Teens who congregated at the mall loved to gather around Dave to share in his imaginings, philosophies, and spiritual musings. All walked away inspired. Dave grew up around the sign making industry and had his own sign shops in various parts of the country. Dave also worked for many years in the telephone industry as telecommunications electrician. Dave was an artist, a painter and a lifelong writer, creating poetry, theological studies, including his book “The Seven Thunders” which is available online. He was also a songwriter creating numerous recordings of original music. One Christmas Dave presented a collection of personal songs, one for each of his siblings and parents. He was a skilled mechanic and craftsman. He enjoyed building, landscaping and remodeling, always bringing his unique creativity to bear. In recent years Dave built a pitch and putt golf course onto the back of the RV Park, where he loved to spend time. A place for residents to gather for fun. He and Claudia were also completing the remodel of their Ohio cottage, where they stayed during trips to visit family. Dave spent several years with Son Abel, developing the concept and property that is now Doc’s Deli in Mansfield, Ohio. Which was launched with a managing partner in 2007. Dave’s love of food and cooking are well-known. But as with most of Dave’s pursuits, it was always a vehicle to something larger, a touchstone around which friends and strangers alike were welcomed to gather in communion. Dave and Claudia were joined at the Launching Pad in 2015 by lifelong friend Russ Hock who was there to share daily conversation, projects, and a deepening friendship to the end. Another of Dave’s fun hobbies was his annual search for the Forrest Fenn Treasure. It became a springboard for he and Claudia, and he and son Abel to enjoy numerous adventures across the wild lands of the west. Although Dave found great pleasure in trying to unravel the Forrest Fenn riddle, his true passion was to solve the great spiritual riddle. For him this search was endless and robust. Surviving to grieve his loss are: Wife, Claudia Whitaker, Son, Abel (Michelle) Gorka, Grandchildren, Sedona and Atlas Gorka, Stepchildren, Jordan (Spencer) Whisler, Mark Mathews, Jillian (Christian) Mauk, and Grandchildren, Grant Beard and Callum Beard. Also surviving, Siblings, Ron Gorka, Joe (Lena) Gorka, Marilyn (Ed) Trease, Tim (Jane) Gorka, and Suzie (Jeff) Hape.