Suburban Rotary is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our Sgt. at Arms, Past Secretary, and good friend, Andy Goranson. Many were able to attend the services or watch online this morning. Condolences may be sent to his family at 444 South 88th St., Omaha, NE 68114. Below is from today's funeral program. The go fund me for Andy's family is here: https://gofund.me/c00ab50d
Andrew Hess Goranson, 44, passed away December 29, 2020 in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. Andy is survived by his wife Abby, sons Max and Gus, and best dog Lola; brother Christopher, mother-in-law Mary Pat Cheshier; brother-in-law Eric (Kelly) Cheshier and nephew Cyrus and niece Haley; aunt Joan (Dick) Schlanker; and countless other family and friends. Preceded in death by mother Carol Hess Goranson, father Lowell Goranson. He will be deeply missed. Andy was a proud husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a Swanson Superstar, Westside Warrior, UNL alum; President of Access Payment Processing; Rotarian; Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster for Pack 866; officer of the Lambda Nu Chapter of Fiji; Golfer, bowler and fisherman with varying degrees of success. Andy loved many things: football, rugby, the Cubs, good food, good beer, good bourbon; dogs and manatees; BMWs; Widespread Panic, classical music and good, smooth jazz; the one and only Amazing Technicolor Show Choir; camping and exploring from Indian Cave to the Great Wall; long talks with anyone willing to listen and good, strong hugs. Mostly, he loved his family, his friends and his clients. Andy never met a stranger (literally, he knew everyone). Andy taught us all how to love and live without abandon, to cherish all who we are lucky to know, and to say I love you at every opportunity. The world is a better place because of Andy, and those who knew him are better for it.
In prayer and meditation this morning, I thought of Andy Goranson. As I pondered what Andy meant to me, the phrase, “Let’s ask Andy” immediately came to mind. Whether a leader was needed to be Sergeant of Arms or Secretary of our Club, running our technology, or packaging meals for those food insecure, we always asked Andy. He helped often and everywhere.
We will miss his help. But more than what he did, we will miss who he was – a man with a friendly smile with whom you could talk with about anything and everything. Another Rotarian told me recently about winning a prize in a game Andy sponsored, lunch with Andy on the date of her choosing. The prize itself was unique, but what she experienced was more so. Andy took the entire afternoon off work so that he would be available to focus his attention on her. They talked about their love of their spouses, their children and what Rotary meant to them. This Rotarian will never forget Andy’s generous gift of time and friendship.
What I did not know until Andy died was how loved he was in the Metro. People from different areas of my life sent me the Omaha World Herald article about Andy’s life and death. It quickly became evident that as much as we Suburbans cherished Andy, so did our community.
As I quietly meditated this morning, I read a prayer by Desmond Tutu. The last few lines resonated:
Stir us, O Lord to dare more boldly, to venture into wider seas where storms show Thy mastery, where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars. In the name of Him who pushed back the horizons of our hopes and invited the brave to follow. Amen, Amen
Andy, a model husband and father, a cherished friend, a community leader, and a dedicated Rotarian emulated Tutu’s words, always moving boldly into wider seas. And this, I believe, is what he would ask from us – to lose sight of the land and find the stars, always going forward.
We may have lost Andy, but his memory and example will stay with us throughout our lives.
A few weeks ago, Tom Kerfoot announced the Slate of Officers from the Nominating Committee. The Slate will be voted on at the January 14th club assembly.
The District is hosting a Food Drive for the Food Bank in conjunction with an adjoining District. If you'd like to donate, please CLICK HERE. Be sure to put your name and club name there.
Condolences to Rotarians on several recent losses. Please keep these members (and former members) in your thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.
Kevin Story's father passed away. You can read his obituary HERE. Condolences may be sent to Kevin's family at 8435 Hamilton St. Omaha, NE 68114
Former Rotarian Ann Coyne's son passed recently in Lincoln. You can read his obituary HERE. Condolences may be sent to Ann at 357 Savage Farm Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850.
Joanne Peters' mother passed away (also Curt's grandmother). The funeral is tomorrow. Condolences may be sent to Joanne at 22014 N. Los Gatos Drive, Sun City, AZ 85375
Former long-time member Art Johnson passed away recently. His obituary is HERE.
The Suburban Rotary Board of Directors made a decision to suspend hybrid meetings through the end of 2020 due to community spread of covid. We will look to resume them in January if the situation improves. The Board will consider this decision at their 12/21 Board meeting. We hope to see you online every week!
Please plan to join us every Thursday at noon for our regular meeting. The meeting will open at 11:45 for greetings. The meetings will start at 12:05.
