Richard Oscar Gordon passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, December 3, 2006. He was born in Champagne County, Ohio, on January 5, 1932 and was the 9th of 12 children.
He is survived by his beloved wife of over 53 years, Donna, as well as his sons Richard Gordon of Houston, TX, Donald Gordon of Mountain View, CA, and Kurt Gordon of San Jose, CA. He also leaves behind four grandsons; Kiernan Gordon of Highpoint, North Carolina, Ryan and Kenny Gordon of San Jose, California, and Richard Gordon of Houston, TX. His granddaughters are Tory and Dana Gordon of Mountain View, CA. He is also survived by his loving mother-in-law Audra Weber, brother-in-law James Weber, and daughter-in-law Therese Gordon, all of San Jose, and brother-in-law Tony Weber of Bend, OR. He is further survived by seven brothers and sisters.
He came to California from Ohio when he was 11 years old and has been on his own since age 12. He served in the Marine Corps and was a Korean War veteran. He attended San Jose State where he received his BA and MA degrees in Education. He went on to work as an educator in Santa Clara Valley for 35 years, including 24 years in the Morgan Hill School District.
Throughout his life, he was a fount of endless physical energy and had a passion for building things or making them better-repairing, remodeling and improving. A humble and quiet man by nature, he took delight in seeing family and friends enjoy the fruits of his labor. Wonderful times were enjoyed with his wife Donna in their many pursuits and passions: traveling the world, spending time with family, going to the opera, and even quietly sharing the daily crossword puzzle together.
The most important thing in his life was his family and he was equally important to them. He was a happy man who spread that happiness to those around him. He will be very much missed and always loved. He was also recently greatly gladdened to see the power in Congress returned to the Democrats, and to see that the 49ers may be returning to their old form from the dynasty days.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his name to Habitat for Humanity, to honor his love for building and care for the well-being of others.
A memorial celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, December 12, 2006 from 2:00 to 4:30 at the Hayes Mansion in San Jose.
