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Gordon Milton Binder, M.D.
Was born on Nov. 10, 1918, in Butte, Montana. His family moved to San Francisco in 1928. He attended local schools, graduating from Galileo High School, UC Berkeley, and UCSF. After receiving his MD in 1943, he was inducted into the US Army where he served as a Battalion Surgeon in the 9th Infantry Division of Omar Bradley's First Army. He landed at Normandy and treated the wounded on the front lines across northern Europe. He survived the Battle of the Bulge and crossed the Remagen Bridge under heavy enemy fire days before its collapse into the Rhine in March, 1945. He was awarded a bronze star and, in 2009, France's Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, for his service.
When stationed in San Antonio, Texas after V-E Day, he met his sister's former college roommate, Gladys Grant, and they were married five months later. They moved to the Bay Area and after completing a surgical residency at Peralta Hospital in Oakland, Gordon hung his shingle in Millbrae as a Physician and Surgeon in 1948. He practiced medicine there in partnership with Dr. Richard Aulwurm until 1980.
He and Gladys were charter members of Millbrae Baptist Church which was founded in 1951 and he continued as an active member for 62 years, serving at various times as Deacon and Chairman of the Building Committee.
Gordon was a talented piano player, an enthusiastic golfer, and a rabid duplicate contract bridge player. In his later years he spent many happy hours with his friends at the Bayshore Bridge Center. He was thrilled to recently attain the designation of "Silver Life Master."
He was predeceased by his wife, and his sisters, Audrey Binder, who died before he was born, and Lois Nichols and her husband, Roy. He is survived by his children: Brooks Binder, Elaine Obernesser (Bill), and Ross Binder (Marilyn); his grandchildren: Deborah Tisdale (Matthew), Michael Binder, and Grace Ann Binder; and a great grandson.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial service celebrating Dr. Binder's life on Sat. May 11, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Millbrae Bible Church, 20 Magnolia Ave., Millbrae.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
As a passionate researcher of the 9th Infantry Division WWII History, I am working on a book about their exploits in Germany. I would love to include Mr. Binder's story in it as well. If any relatives see this, I hope they can contact me. Thank you. And thank you for your service, and my freedom sir.
Yuri Beckers
Acquaintance
August 7, 2020
Gordon was our good friend and neighbor for so many years and we will surely miss him. There are so many things we miss about him; his smile and friendly nature, his phone calls just to see how we were doing. He introduced us to so many restaurants as he loved dining out. We went out with him countless times and always enjoyed his company. He was a most gracious man. He never failed to thank you for any little think you did for him even if it was just changing a light bulb. He raved about any food Gloria made for him especially Matsa Ball soup. He called it the best Jewish mother's cold remedy. We will always remember him playing the piano for us in our home. Once at Christmas time he played "Oh Tannenbaum" and sang it in German. It was a real treat for all. Alan will surely remember when Gordon needed a ride to San Bruno to pickup his car from the repair shop. The only means of transportation at the moment was Alan's motorcycle and Gordon was willing to ride piggyback to San Bruno. He later told how he actually had enjoyed the ride. Gladys and Gordon were such good people and we were blessed to know them both. We honor Gordon for his participation in World War II. Our hats off to you Gordon. May God bless you. Our condolences to all his family with love and sympathy.
The Alan and Gloria Stickle Family
Alan and Gloria Stickle
May 28, 2013
Gordon Binder was our family doctor right from the start of his practice and for as long as the Mandley family lived in San Bruno (well into the 1970's), and he was always considered part of our family too. In the days when doctors made house-calls, I remember him coming to our house (was it in a black Buick?) somewhere around 1950, black bag in hand, to give treatment and comfort to a sick little 5 year old. Doctor Binder is remembered now I am sure, by all who knew him, as a gentle and good man, quiet, confident, and always patient and helpful; sincerest condolences to the Binder family and friends.
Robert Mandley
May 11, 2013
Dear, dear Dr. Binder: So much love and care over so many, many years. My love to Brooks, Elaine, and Ross.
Justin Moss
May 10, 2013
Dear Family of Gordon Binder - We extend to you sympathy as you mourn the departure of Gordon from this life and your company. We came to know Gordon through Charles Bettencourt, when your Mother and Charlie's wife were in same care facility.
We delighted in your Gordon's company at some dinner and play-going. As time went on, we heard high praise from other bridge players for his pleasantness and for his bridge skills.
Clearly he'll be remembered by us and all as a terrific guy!
Jan & Don Elliott, San Mateo
Jan & Don Elliott
May 5, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Binder was a wonderful Man! He was brave, funny, interesting, generous, smart and very kind. We moved across the street from Dr. Binder and Mrs. Binder a little over 13 years ago. They were both so kind and welcoming to our family. Your Mom loved talking with the girls and myself. She was truely devoted to her religion. Both generous and loving people, they would bring fresh veggies from their garden and milk from their meals on wheels for our girls. Dr. Binder loved watching our girls having fun, he engaged in conversation with them from when they were very little. He loved sharing stories with us and we loved hearing them. We will greatly miss that. He spoke often proudly of his late wife Gladys and his children. He was very proud that Gladys had designed the house they lived in. He had fond memories of his children when they were young. One time he fell and hurt his arm, although I was a wimp, Dr. Binder was a trooper, he taught me how to clean and patch up his arm, without a flinch. I thought I was going to pass out but he just giggled and kept giving me instructions, making ME feel better. He loved talking with Phil, our other neighbor that has passed on, the two of them were good friends and looked out for each other. The neighborhood will not be the same with out him. We will truely miss him.
The Mantler Family
May 5, 2013
We enjoyed playing bridge and going to concerts with Gordon. He was a wonderful person.
June and Burt White
May 4, 2013
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