Obituary of Dr. David M. Gorton

David Gorton died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on September 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, CA. He was 79. David was born in New York and grew up in Los Angeles. In 1958, he graduated from UCLA, where he was elected student body president, then went on to earn a J.D. in 1962 from Michigan Law School and became a member of the California Bar. After practicing as a lawyer, he became a partner and producer in a film and television production company and worked as a corporate executive at Warner Brothers. He was a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1969. He earned a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 1974 from Azusa Pacific University and a Ph.D. in Psychology in 1982 from Ryokan College. He had a successful career as a private practice psychotherapist from 1975 to 2014, was a beloved adjunct professor and lecturer at various universities, and also trained hundreds of therapists in the application of Gestalt therapy. David loved hiking, camping, fishing, cattle drives and competing in team roping and also had a keen interest in the arts, including art, dance, film and theater. David was known personally and professionally for his compassion, generosity and deep caring for others, as well as his famous sense of humor. He showed his strength and bravery during his final struggle, passing away weeks after a tragic fire while camping in his favorite place. He is survived by his sister, three daughters and two granddaughters. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please make a donation in David's name to any charity of your choice. We recommend the Sierra Club Foundation, which has the highest 4 star rating from Charity Navigator and supports nature and wildlife preservation in many ways: http://www.sierraclubfoundation.org/memorial-and-commemorative-gifts http://www.sierraclubfoundation.org/what-we-fund http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=5838#.VC4kTlyaJg0 To post information regarding memorial services for David, please contact his daughter, Jenia Gorton via email, who will authorize the memorial service to be posted on this website: jjeniaa@gmail.com"