Friends and family of the late Ryan Gordon, who passed away in November 2011 from stomach cancer at 42, are supporting cancer research in his memory.

Adams residents Roger and Shirley Gordon presented a $2,450 donation Tuesday to The Hormel Institute in their son’s memory. The donation was raised through the Ryan Gordon Memorial Golf Tournament and silent auction on June 29 at the Cedar River Country Club in Adams. Overall, 63 golfers participated in the event.

“Ryan’s passion for golf was evident to anyone who knew him so this tournament was a very fitting tribute to him,” Shirley said.

As a golfer who used a lion golf head cover for years, Ryan was inspired by the strength and courage of the lion, his mother said. When battling cancer, he used that inspiration to rally his support team with the phrase, “Let ‘em hear you roar!”

“Ryan’s generous heart and his care for others are going to be carried forward because of this gift to The Institute,” said his wife, Shannon, who survives him along with sons Jake, 17, and Brecken, 4. “We are certain he would be extremely pleased knowing that he was helping others in some small way.”

The entirety of the golf tournament’s donation will fund The Institute’s research focused on discoveries leading to the prevention and control of cancer. With this type of community support, The Institute will continue to make progress in the fight against cancer, said Dr. Zigang Dong, executive director of The Hormel Institute.

“All of us are deeply grateful for the Gordon family’s designation of The Hormel Institute as the recipient of this special gift in Ryan’s memory,” Dong said. “They truly understand that research is the only answer to cancer.”