Gorsuch, Lee

Lee first saw the light of day in Butte County, California, on August 17, 1934 and he passed away in Sonora on March 2, 2025 at 90 years old.  His parents were Frances Susanna Thornton Forbes and Elmore Forbes.  He was awaited by two older sisters, Florinne and Jola.  When Frances later married William Gorsuch,  Lee chose to re-name himself Lee Thornton Gorsuch and he grew to be a man of many talents and interests.

His parents were teachers in various locations throughout California, and young Lee grew up with the opportunity to hike and explore his beautiful state.  He graduated from Jefferson High School in Daly City as valedictorian.  After two years of college and at 19 years old, he found himself back in Chico, where he decided to join the Army.  When the recruiting officer went to lunch too early, Lee walked across the hall and joined the U. S. Marines instead.  Most of his enlistment was spent in Iwakuni, Japan which built his work ethic and compassion.

Returning to college, Lee graduated from San Francisco State College in 1960, which opened other doors.  He worked as a technical editor for five years at Aerojet in Sacramento, when a new hire by the name of Joan Cunningham from the state of Virginia caught his eye. Soon they were lunching together in the company cafeteria.  Ever suave, Lee offered $l.65 lobster specials!  And when Joan’s department was dissolved and she went to work in Yosemite, absence made the heart grow fonder.  He visited and they enjoyed mountain climbing and hiking; but more importantly, Lee proposed. They married on December 11, 1965.

Lee dreamed of getting his teaching credential, and he completed this goal before they moved to Tuolumne County.  He was quickly hired at Sonora High School where he taught composition, English, and Spanish to thousands of students who both loved and respected his knowledge, warmth, and encouragement. During his 30-year teaching career at SHS, he attained a Master’s degree in Education.  Lee and Joan also became the proud parents of Glenn Frederick and Pamela Lynn, who later became his students too.

Solo hiking was a passion, and he and his favorite dog Bucket often roamed the high country.  After retiring from Sonora High in 1994, he summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa with the Bowly family of Sonora.  It became the peak he was most proud of.  He is a man who adored animals, played the piano, recited poetry and enjoyed literature, quietly mentored students, perpetually rebuilt his Sunbeam Alpine and green ’55 Chevy, and above all, loved his family and friends.  Lee is survived by his wife Joan, children, sister Jola Jones, daughter- in-law Lori, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and his students.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home (225 East Rose Street, Sonora, CA).

 

• Date of Death: 03/02/2025
• Age: 90
• Residence: Jamestown, California
• Services: A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home (225 East Rose Street, Sonora, CA).