Brad O'Gorman

In Loving Memory of Brad O'Gorman (Bradley, Dad, Pop, Poppa Bear, Hunka-Bread, Mosey, Mr. OG)

Brad has made his journey home. He is reunited in peace with his parents, Gerry and Lois, and his sister, Mary-Adele.

Brad shared 54 years of love with his best friend and wife, Ingrid (née Rudnik), including 49 years of marriage. His three children—Jennifer (Rob), Emily (Jeff), and Tyler (Jenna)—made him immensely proud. He adored his crew of grandkids beyond measure: Walker, Mitchell, Henry, Cameron, Felix, Iris, and Christian. Brad will also be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews, treasured extended family, and a wide circle of close friends.

Usually dressed in plaid, tie-dye, Hawaiian shirts, a superhero shirt, or a fun necktie, Brad was never one for standard routines, predictable paths, or boring music. After moving to South River in 1990, he taught at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School (AHSS) until retiring in 2015. A member of the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario, he also spent multiple summers teaching with Project D.A.R.E., loving any opportunity to mentor and share his appreciation for the outdoors.

A master craftsman and historian, Brad could build, repair, or restore nearly anything—a passion reflected in his work with the South River Historical Improvement and Preservation Society on the Historic Train Station Project. To his friends in local record shops, he was an eclectic music lover with a legendary vinyl collection built label by label over a lifetime of crate-digging.

His contagious sense of humour was fueled by slapstick comedy, Abbott and Costello, the Three Stooges, and Looney Tunes. He told stories with his entire body, using every expression and perfectly timed pause to hold the room captive.

Brad spent recent years embracing his Indigenous and Métis ancestry with humility and respect. While there should have been more time for the many projects, plans, and adventures he wanted to complete, his story doesn’t end here. Brad comes from a long line of resilient ancestors — a heritage of enduring strength and quiet pride. That spirit lives vibrantly through his children, his grandchildren, and every vinyl record spun in his memory.

Visitation will be held at Opatovsky Funeral Home – Moore Chapel (Sundridge) on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 1:00 pm –3:00 pm, and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A Catholic Funeral Mass will take place at Sacred Heart Church in Trout Creek on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:00 am. 

A Celebration of Life will follow the service at the Trout Creek Community Centre. Guests are warmly invited to wear their favorite tie-dye, plaid, Hawaiian shirt, superhero shirt, or fun necktie in honour of Brad’s colourful spirit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made toward a student bursary being established in Brad’s name to support local graduates pursuing forestry, construction, or environmental education.

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Harrold (aka "Blue Sky") and the compassionate team at Hospice Huntsville.