Irish John Gore Obituary
We are sad to announce that on September 28, 2018, at the age of 82, Irish John Gore (Thousand Oaks, California) passed away. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
In 1971 he was hired by the Thousand Oaks News Chronicle, now known as 'The Star." In 1981 he went to work for the Hollywood Reporter and retired from there in 1999. While at The Reporter he was head of the composing room and also did Country and Western music reviews. Irish John was a legend in the Conejo Valley. He was Grand Marshal in 1983, Chairman of Conejo Valley Days, Ventura County's Man of the Year in 1984, Patrick Henry Medal winner, Don Triunfo for the Conejo Valley Historical Society, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis award for outstanding community service, King of the Mardi Gras Ball for Community Conscience Board. In 2014, the Thousand Oaks Rotary honored him with the Paul Harris Fellow Award. The Ventura County Star honored him as one of 25 over 50 people who have given community service. He was devoted to the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis and served as President, Lt. Governor for Division 42 and three-year Trustee for Region 10. He served as MC at an International Kiwanis convention in Las Vegas. He never met a camera or microphone he didn't like and that didn't like him! He had a long history of community service which included organizing bike rides to benefit the American Diabetes Association. He was an outstanding Master of Ceremonies and consummate auctioneer for charity events. He never said no to anyone! His Irish humor helped many organizations fill their coffers! He loved to give speeches on St Patrick's Day about his life in Ireland and, of course, he wore his leprechaun outfit. He had a costume for every occasion, even a life-size turkey outfit! It was expected John would wear the most outlandish outfits and everyone always had a good laugh. But he will be remembered the most for his ability to tell "a true story." All his jokes were true stories! Irish John never met a stranger. He had the ability to make everyone feel special because he thought everyone was special. In September of 1984, John and good friend Rick Beal went on a cruise to Acapulco. The second day at sea John met his future wife, Sue. They were married in March of 1988. Throughout their marriage they had many wonderful trips to Ireland and many other countries. They also acquired many, many good friends who will miss him and his humor. He always said the proudest day of his life was when he was sworn in as an American Citizen in 1977. He even legally changed his name to Irish John Gore. Every morning John flew the American flag at his home. Irish John was a loving and dedicated father to his two daughters, Karen and Lesley. He was always involved in their school activities. John is survived by his loving wife Sue (Bodle) Gore, daughters Karen (Michael) Vaughan, Sherman Oaks, California, Lesley (Jon) Singer, El Paso, Texas; brothers James (Roberta) Gore, Bangor, Co. Down, Northern Ireland, Billie Gore, Bothos Hill, South Africa; sister Iris (William) Kirkpatrick, Bangor Co. Down; nephews Alan Gore, Las Vegas, Nevada, Colin (Donna) Gore, David (Nicole) Gore, Bangor Co. Down. He also leaves behind his cherished dog Louise. Special thanks to the Assisted Home Care nurse Robin Hall and their Hospice staff, Dr. Paul Miller and Dr. Samuel Slomowitz, and also Melissa Mantia for making his hair look good. Also special thanks to all his Kiwanis family for helping him so much. If you wish to make a donation, please donate to the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club. John dearly loved Thousand Oaks as much as it loved him! He will be greatly missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 27th, 2018, 11:30 A.M. at the Los Robles Greens Golf Club, 299 South Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, California 91361.
