Paul Gorrell's name is synonymous with the Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games in Dubuque.

Gorrell, 64, died while riding his bicycle Sunday morning along North Cascade Road near Dubuque. His family says he had a heart condition and likely suffered a heart attack.

The Special Olympics Iowa Winter Games is the one week during the winter hundreds of athlete's world revolves around. Paul Gorrell was always right there in the middle of it.

"Everybody knew Paul. Every kid, every coach, every parent, every one of us. Because he was kind of like the center of everything," said Gorrell’s friend and fellow volunteer, Ric Jones.

Gorrell first got involved in the Special Olympics Iowa Winter games in 1987. He quickly took over the reins directing the games in Dubuque and severing as Board President for the Special Olympics Iowa. He finally retired from those volunteer positions 25 years later.

"It's kids who a lot of people thought wouldn't walk, are now skiing and skating. Successes like that," said Jones.

After doctor's diagnosed Gorrell with heart disease in 2010, he started a weight loss journey. Gorrell lost 160 pounds and gained a new lease on life.

"Paul was just a happy guy. Happy about everything. Happy about every body's achievement and happy to do it. Just laughing and giving all the time. He was pretty special. Pretty big loss for us," said Jones.

Paul Gorrell's funeral is set for Thursday morning at St. Joe's in Key West. The wake is Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home.