RIP Gina Lee Gossett

By: Gil Ruta

August 18th, 2024.

My wife, Lauren, and I lost a very near and dear friend this week.

A very near and dear friend to so…so many of us. And not just a friend, but someone we would consider family. Someone we would consider a part of us. Someone who helped make what we, as a supporters group, what we are today. To make us the family that we are today. The spirit of Gina Lee Gossett has moved on from our plane of existence, but I will never forget her.

While in more recent times, we didn’t get to connect as much as we’d like, she was a true pillar of the ECS circle of footballing friends. She was one of the earliest and most dedicated supporters and volunteers in the MLS years. We drank, sang, chanted, screamed, celebrated, cried, and traveled together so much. She was a friend, a confidant, and in many ways, a sister. I say that because, to be honest, there weren’t many Asian faces at the matches. There were not much more than a handful I would get to see every week. However, Gina and I instantly bonded. She made me feel like the most special person she got to see–and she did this with every single person she bonded with.

Her smile would light up any room in an instant. Her eagerness to help with anything needed was endless. And her heart was there for any person who needed it. She even married a fellow supporter, and also a remarkable, long-time great friend, in Dan Gossett. Seeing them happy together just warmed my heart at every moment. 

Her fight with cancer was a long one. One that lasted over 7 years. Her fight brought her great triumphs; beating it twice. And I’m sure it has brought her unimaginable pain. But through it all, she managed to do what she loved. She was a phenomenal wife, mother, and friend. From being a Rock Band star at my parties, to being a rock climber in Moab, to climbing the heights of Peru, to visiting the very bottom of the globe in Cape Town. She lived such a full life, one of which many of us merely dream about ever getting to do. And all the while, she shared so many smiles with her family and the people she met along the way.

Gina, we will miss so, so much. I’m shattered at the thought I’ll never get to see you again–getting to give you a big ol’ bear hug each and every time we’d catch up. We’ll never get to joke again while on the road to the next Sounders match. We’ll never get to share stories again over some drinks. We’ll never get to dance again at a party, completely forgetting about what troubles and challenges that plague us and this world. I’ll never get to see that incredible, heartwarming smile that always lit up the room, again. Never. Ever. Again.

This breaks my heart so much. This world is so unfair.

You can finally rest without pain, and in full peace.

We will follow you, wherever you may go. We love you, Gina. 💚💙

#fuckcancer