When we Lose a Friend…Dick Gorman Passes
Dick Gorman
Dick Gorman USTA Southwest Hall of Fame recipient has passed away at the age of 82. Gorman was a guiding light for tennis in the USTA Northern New Mexico area, particularly the Albuquerque area.
Gorman had been involved with USTA Southwest tennis for much of the last four decades, as a player, volunteer, board member, and even as a writer. Gorman founded the “Sun Country Tennis” newspaper, and was a longtime chronicler and advocate of tennis happenings in the Northern New Mexico areas.
He was also the first-ever president of the Community Tennis Association of Albuquerque (Now, USTA Northern New Mexico). He served on USTA Northern New Mexico’s board of directors from 1992-98, and on the USTA Southwest board from 1994-98.
A late arrival to the game (Gorman picked it up in his 30′s), Gorman was a consistent player of both leagues and tournaments, helping to set up the Adult Grand Prix circuit. He helped arrange travel teams of senior players to participate in European tournaments. For his continued service to the game, in particular his involvement in Albuquerque, Gorman was inducted into the USTA Southwest Hall of Fame in 2002.
Gorman continued playing the sport he loved well into his 80s. Born in Utica, New York, and a graduate of Notre Dame, he received his master’s degree from Georgetown University and two subsequent PhD in psychology and philosophy from Fordham University.
“He was a good friend to everyone in our tennis community,” said former USTA Southwest president and Albuquerque resident. “He was a former psychology professor, so he was obviously very bright and very vital. Everyone knew who he was and was very fond of him. He always bragged on and was so supportive of everything we tried to do to grow tennis.”
Gorman passed away in his longtime home of Albuquerque on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010.
Reprinted from: USTA Southwest News
Photo by: Ron Barron
