Submitted story • May 29, 2009 Memorial Hospital Foundation will dedicate the Gorman Healing Garden today , honoring Al and Diane Gorman for their
countless hours of service to the hospital and the community. The phrase “Healing Garden” evokes soothing images of peace and tranquility — a place to sit and think things over, or just relax and quiet the mind. To name such a place of beauty after someone is to bestow a great tribute on that person. “Al is one of the most caring, thoughtful, sensitive people I know. He truly sees the best in everyone, and is there when you need any kind of help,” said Pat Crispen, Al Gorman’s administrative assistant for nearly 14 years. “He has mentored numerous teens, several of whom returned to visit him as adults. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. His sense of humor is unmatched, except perhaps by Diane. They compliment each other well and are delightful to be around. His family comes first.” A nurse by profession, Diane Gorman, became involved with the auxiliary when her husband Al arrived at Memorial in 1992. To this day she volunteers in the hospital’s gift shop. Together, they became involved in many community groups and charity organizations dedicated to the betterment of life for both adults and children, while becoming a positive and effective influence for others. A recent interview with Al Gorman, Diane was volunteering at the gift shop that afternoon, revealed that the couple had done some traveling since his retirement, visiting their kids who are “all spread out around the country.” He said he had more time now to relax and enjoy life. He is planning to ride in The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure” (GOBA) in June, a five-day bicycling trip that will start and end in Norwalk this year and cover 45-60 miles each day.
Gorman was asked if there was a single accomplishment that gave him the most personal satisfaction during his 16 years at Memorial. He paused a moment, and said, “No, there was no single thing, it was the whole adventure — making the hospital stronger than it was when I first arrived, and leaving it with technology in place that will lead it into the future…the total journey.”