R.c. Gorman

Biography


Internationally acclaimed artist R.C. Gorman died peacefully November 03, 2005 at 12:20 p.m. He was 74 years-old. Gorman was hospitalized for close to seven weeks undergoing treatment for a bacterial blood infection highly resistant to antibiotic treatment. The infection resulted in multiple complications including pneumonia, kidney failure and coma from which he never recovered. He was first hospitalized at the Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, and then transported to intensive care at UNM Hospital on September 24th.
Gorman was known for his distinctive artistic expression of Navajo women through lithographs, original paintings, bronze sculptures and ceramics. He possessed a gregarious nature and was generous with his affection for family and friends.
Although known as "R.C." or simply "Gorman" to the public, his parents Adelle Katherine Brown and Carl Nelson Gorman named him Rudolph Carl Gorman. He was raised by his mother and maternal grandmother, Zonnie Maria Brown at Black Mountain, Arizona.
His brother and sisters agree that "R.C.'s spirit was unique. Zonnie Gorman, his youngest sister said, "He never lost touch with his Navajo soul. He never lost touch with his roots and that kept him very humble. His soul emanates in his work, whether it was a beautiful scene with mountains and canyons, women or whether it was a simple sketch. Although R.C. the man is no longer with us, his spirit will never die. R.C. is truly a role model for young Native Americans, who want to pursue art and even those who want to pursue business or any kind of dream. He showed that nothing is impossible for Native people and that we can do it on our own terms and say it in our own way. Many people remember our father, Carl Gorman mostly for being one of the original first 29 Navajo Code Talkers but he was also one of the early Indian artists to break away from what was called "Indian Art." In his own way, he opened a lot of doors for his son, R.C. In turn, R.C. has flung those doors wide open for current and future creative endeavors for Native people."
Gorman was the oldest of five siblings who survive him they are: Don Mitchell from Chinle, Arizona; Donna Scott, from Chinle, Arizona; Shirley Beecher from Black Mountain, Arizona; Carla Anderson from Kaibeto, Arizona and Zonnie Gorman from Gallup, New Mexico.

Rosary was recited on Sunday, November 06, 2005 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Funeral service was held on Monday, November 07, 2005 at the Sagebrush Inn Convention Center, 1508 South Santa Fe Road, in Taos, NM. Interment was near his home at Las Colonias, NM. A reception followed the interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the R.C. Gorman (Scholarship) Foundation are welcome. Send inquiries or donations to R.C. Gorman Scholarship Fund, PO Box 127, Tsaile, AZ 86556.

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Family

About

Name R.c. Gorman
Date of Death November 3rd, 2005
Cemetery

Memorial

Cemetery
Funeral Home Rivera Family Funeral Home - Taos
Address 818 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur
Taos NM 87571
United States

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Patsy Khan published a tribute .

Miss you RC, life changes when a friend transitions and no longer walks on earth. Your passing is still tangible leaving a void that does not go away but is more gentle. Our friendship does not fade away but remains as a sweet memory.

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Patricia Khan published a tribute .

Thinking of you R. C. and still missing your presence on this earth. I miss your wonderful and quick wit, your generous heart, and your sweet friendship. I know that God’s love and blessings will always be with you.
Patsy Khan

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Patricia Ann Khan published a tribute .

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Patsy Khan published a comment .

You are missed and loved. Your art surrounds me in my home bringing much joy and keeps you close to my heart.
Bless you dear one, until we meet again

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Angela M Heighton published a tribute .

I did not know you personally but I own three of your works. I never tire of the beauty and simplicity of your work.It inspires me incorporating it in my home. Rest in peace ...

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Patricia Ann Khan published a tribute .

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Patricia Khan published a tribute .

Time goes by and you remain deeply imbedded in my memories, your art and photographs surround me, and your generous heart, life, and friendship still remain tangible.
You are missed and will never be forgotten. Your friendship will remain in my heart forever.

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Julie Burns published a tribute .

RC you are missed.

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Patsy Khan published a tribute .

Dearest RC,

Bless you for all the beauty you brought into our lives. I miss you every day. I especially enjoy remembering your laughter and spontaneous wit. Love you, Patsy K

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Stella I Hokanson published a tribute .

RC will be missed for his talent and his kindness. He was kind enough to give me a little part time job cleaning at his sturio which helped with my school expenses while in high school. I'll always remember him as a very kind and gentle person. God Bless you RC!

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Laura R. Hildreth published a tribute .

I was devestated to hear the news about RC and hope that Zonnie, his sister has enough information to keep the legends of her father, brother and the navajo codes alive. Godspeed to her.

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Laura published a tribute .

You touched more soul's than you could have ever imagined...your cousin, "Big Ron" held you close to his spirit, and so you both are now with the family above...Ya Ta Hey... may both your spirits remeber the one's who love you and remain to raise your spirits to the clouds...Laura

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Hallie Fox-Newsome published a tribute .

I have loved your work ever since the first time I saw it at my neices home. Her walls were covered and I have read most of your books. I was planning on attending your last show in early Sept but a sudden illness kept me from being able to attend. I will continue to read your books and enjoy your art work, may you rest in peace.

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Barbara Bell-King published a tribute .

we were fortunate to meet and speak with mr gorman when he came to sarasota. my condolences to all his family and friends. he definitely was a unique spirit. he not only was a role model for Native Americans but a positive influence for all who loved his work.

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Kathleen Harker-Blanco published a tribute .

What a great great loss to all who new and loved RC. I am so honored to have had him touch my life. His great spirit and sense of humor will sorely be missed by many. You RC, will always hold a special place in my heart for your kindness,thoughtfulness and generosity. It was so much fun to share many good meals together and I'll especially remember you asking me to give you a tour of Temple Square and to learn about the Mormons on your layover in Salt Lake City, on your way to San Francisco. It was such an honor having you as a guest at my home. May God bless you always...say Hi to mama for me......

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Tom J. Trujillo published a tribute .

Peace be with you.

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John And Bj Proe published a tribute .

RC, You enriched our life you witnessed our wedding and signed our marraige cetificate in 1978, while living in Taos we often spoke with you. You were a kind and generous person and a joy to know. Rest in peace w/God and Via con Dios

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Mary Alice Renison Dickenson published a tribute .

RC was a kind and generous friend to all who knew him. His artwork was a joy to behold. Always ready to host & enjoy a good party, RC was sometimes outrageous, but he was always a most gracious host. However famous he became, he never forgot his old friends. We will always remember him for some of the sweet little things he did, like calling my elderly mother before a party to tell her to come into his house through the garage and his bedroom so she didn't have to negotiate the gravel at the front of his house. Like his love of cats. Like his generous support and encouragement of young artists. And like how he virtually never turned down a request to help out all the endless causes and fundraisers in Taos and the Navajo Nation. We'll always miss you, RC!

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Leslie Grainger-Haynes published a tribute .

RC was a great friend to my Mother, Margo Grainger and a whole lot of fun!! RC never let his "star status" interfere with his friendships with the locals of Taos. I know that he and Rose are sharing some good laughs, right now. RC, your journey has been a brilliant one, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be in your light. Leslie

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Bernie Bustos published a tribute .

The Navajo Nation has lost its only "Ambasador to the United Nations". Mr. Gorman leaves an undying legacy for the entire world to enjoy for many years to come. He continue to live in the family members that are still with us. Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with the family.



Bernie & Carolyn Bustos & family.

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Cm published a tribute .

God Bless a Wonderful artist and a wonderful man! I pray you are with God and the Angels above!

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Patsy Khan published a tribute .

RC, you are always in my heart.

Peace and love to the Gorman family...RC made a difference in the world and we love and miss him.

RC and Rose, watch over Antonia.

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Patsy Khan published a tribute .

RC, you are always in my heart.

Peace and love to the Gorman family...RC made a difference in the world and we love and miss him.

RC, watch over Antonia.

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Patsy Khan published a tribute .

RC, you are always in my heart.

Peace and love to the Gorman family...RC made a difference in the world and we love and miss him.

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Patsy Khan published a tribute .

My dearest RC, I miss you more than I ever thought was possible. You remain in my heart and in my thoughts every day. Be at peace with our Lord at your side and in the arms of your Father and Mother.

My prayers for Donna, and all your family. It is harder for us who remain on this earth. Until we all meet again. With great respect and with great love.

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Willow published a tribute .

This world was a much nicer place with you in it......your absence will be sad for your many loving fans. May you always rest in peace........

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Al Frank published a tribute .

Dear R.C.
I cherish the friendship that we had since 1984 when I first met you. I miss talking to you on the phone, joking with you and seeing you a few times each year. You will always be in my memory. On every boarding pass that I give to each of my passengers on our trips, the following statement appears: "This trip is dedicated to the memory of
my dear friend, R.C.GORMAN.
His beautiful art, seen around the world, will keep him alive forever! Rest well my friend, rest well."

I love you R.C. T truly do!

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Patsy Khan published a tribute .

RC,

I never knew that there would be such a large gap in my life without you in it.

I miss you and think of you every day.

Love you, Patsy

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Navajo Gallery Staff published a tribute .

WE MISS YOU!!!

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