John Ackerman, of McHenry, Maryland, known at AQHA shows across the United States as the “gate guru” died on April 19 at Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Maryland. 

Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1941, Mr. Ackerman retired from the Coca-Cola Company as a Route Supervisor and was a welder’s helper for Local 798 Pipe Liners. John was a proud US Air Force veteran and a proud member of the Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Company #30, where he served as Safety Officer for many years. 

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Brenda May (Brelsford) Ackerman; a daughter, Carla (Drew) Cole, New Hampshire; a granddaughter, Caden Cole and a grandson, Parker Cole. Services were in Maryland.