Richard Paul Gorrell passed away peacefully March 17, 2017. Rich was born July 22, 1935 in Ft Wayne, Indiana to Clifford Gorrell and Marcelene (Koch) Gorrell. Raised on a farm near Harlan, Indiana and surrounded by a large extended family, many close cousins, and the freedom to roam the woods and rivers of northeastern Indiana, Rich believed that he had lived an idyllic boyhood. Proud of his humble yet rich heritage, he would recite his family story to anyone who would listen. In addition to helping out with the family farm, Rich excelled in high school and community sports teams. In 1954, Rich married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Osmun. This 17- year union produced 3 cherished daughters.
After graduation from Purdue in 1957, Richard taught and coached in high schools in Butler and Greenfield. During this time, he earned his MA from Ball State. The family moved to Colorado Springs in 1970, and Rich began teaching at Gorman Junior High in Harrison School District where he would teach for more than 20 years. In 1975, he and Karen Ward, a fellow teacher at Gorman, began a married life that would last almost 42 years.
At Gorman, he served in many capacities including administration, but eventually returned to the classroom where he could have a more influential impact on students. He coached basketball and track with his goals being to teach the basics of the game and make good men of his players. Due to a drastic change in health, retirement from full-time teaching came earlier than he had ever anticipated.
Rich shared the outdoor life with a close group of friends and family. Wanting to share his love of God's creation, and being an avid outdoorsman most of his life led him to introduce friends and relatives to the fine art of walleye fishing. He invited many of them to join him for trips to Canada in pursuit of the walleye. He was a great sports fan, and his favorites were the Broncos, the Rockies and the Purdue Boilermakers.
After recovering as much as possible from a devastating stroke, Rich looked outward to see how he could continue to contribute. He volunteered in the community and continued to be very active at St Paul's UMC. His passion was always working with the youth, and that is where he directed most of his energy. Rich had a deep faith and touched many by the way he lived his life despite health challenges. He will be remembered for the letters and notes he wrote to family members and friends when they needed encouragement or deserved praise for a job well done.
Having led an inspiring life, Rich will be remembered best for being a loyal friend, a devoted husband, and a proud, loving father and grandfather. He seldom recalled the honors he had earned, but reminisced often and fondly of times spent with family and friends. Rich will be dearly missed by his wife, Karen, daughters Kimberly Santa Cruz (Scott), Kerrie Gorrell (Chris Hogg), and Kelly Giacomozzi (Brian), as well as sister Suzanne Smith and brother David Gorrell. Treasured grandchildren are Ian, Sarah, Austyn, and Alexa. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Celebration of Life will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, April 1, 2017, at St Paul's United Methodist Church, 2111 Carlton Avenue, Colorado Springs
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St Paul's UMC or Pikes Peak Hospice 2550 Tenderfoot Hill St, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.

Published by The Gazette on Mar. 26, 2017.