Ronald Gora Obituary

Ron and I became friends when we tried out for the frosh/soph football team at Lane tech our freshman year. I went on in football playing on the 1950 city football champs and everybody knows Ron's achievements in swimming. It is over 70 years since we first met and sat in history class together. I also became a high school coach( football) and it is very rewarding to know Gora was also a high school coach. All my life I have remembered what a great young man Ron was, he will be missed as long as there is competitive swimming.

I first met Ron when I was a kid growing up in Ann Arbor, MI. My Dad (a Michigan alum) knew Ron and asked him to help me with my start for a swimming race. Ron picked me up and took me to the IM Building and gave me a lesson. I won the race. Thanks, again, Ron; you were great to help out a kid.
Kelley Rea

The best freestyle swimmer of his day by any standard. Multiple IL state championships/records. Absolutely 'awesome' when awesome meant something. RIP Ron Tom McGurn

I had Mr. Gora as a US History teacher at Flint Northwestern High School, I believe in 1970. He was a favorite teacher for many. I remember he knew his subject so well, and he made the class enjoyable. He had a great sense of humor. I am privileged to have been his student. I believe he was also a member of the US Olympic swim team at one time, which impressed all of us. Thanks, Mr. Gora for all you did for us. Rick Bryant

My sincere condolences to your family. He was bigger than life and always able to inspire as he coached. Still remember the ''65, '66 swim season at Northwestern

I swam with Ron at Lane Tech High School and remember him setting the record for the 100 yard freestyle in the Illinois High School State Meet. I always thought that he was good enough to swim in the Olympics for the United States (which he did). He was a gentleman and a hard worker. May treasured memories bring consolation to you. God bless you and his spirit.

Mr. Gora was one of my favorite teachers at Flint Northwestern. I remember him as being funny....always cracking jokes. A real good guy. A true Wildcat.

Our sympathies to the family and friends in the loss Of Ronald. May the wonderful memories of him bring you much joy despite the grief and you keep close to your hearts God's promise at John 5:28.

I enjoyed working with Ron at Northwestern during the late 60's and 70's. He was a gentleman and a fine colleague. May he rest in peace.

Unfortunately, distance prevents me from extending my condolences in person, but my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

George Nassif
Scottsdale, AZ

Uncle Ron was always bigger than life to me. I have wonderful memories.

We have fond memories of Ron and how our son Rich played hockey with Frankie and they attended hockey camps together. Our sympathies to the Gora family.

Always remember Mr Gora's Foreign Relations class at Northwestern HS in the late 60's and all the interesting discussions he initiated. Being a social studies teacher myself these past 35 years, I've thought of him many times. He always enjoyed changing the pronunciation of my last name.

I had the pleasure of working with Ron,for a brief time, at Longfellow School. What a kind, humble gentleman he was. He will be remembered.

Maria, I enjoyed the day your brought Ron into my shop to see how my machines work. I really enjoyed meeting him and his jokes. You were a very devoted wife and I comment you for that.
Sally Whitney

Coach Ron Gora guided me through one of the defining moments of my life, becoming a competitive swimmer. I remember him getting in the pool with us and swimming just inches ahead of us all the way to motivate us.