Gordon Everett, who had shared his story of fighting lung cancer with The World’s readers, died Sunday in Central Point. He was 56 years old.

The California native made a name for himself as an all-conference high school gymnast despite being diagnosed with polio at 9 months. After college at San Jose State, he started a 32-year career in health care. A critical care nurse, he moved to Coos Bay in 2004 to work at Bay Area Hospital, where he managed the emergency department.

Everett had smoked cigarettes off and on for about eight years. He quit in December 2008, after suffering a transient ischemic attack, sometimes known as a “warning stroke.” Soon afterward, however, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, the most advanced level of the disease.

The World detailed Everett’s story in a three-day series last month. Everett said he chose to share his story to discourage others from smoking, and as a reminder to spend time with loved ones.

Everett underwent three kinds of chemotherapy in hope of prolonging his time with his family. He opted to end his treatments less than a month ago, when he decided the chemo was keeping him from enjoying his remaining time with his wife and four children. He said one of his goals was to see his daughter Piper’s sixth birthday.

Survivors include his wife, Tonya Everett, and their children Alexis, 16; Karli, 10; Lucas, 2; and Piper, who turns 5 and a half today.