Thomas Mitchell Gordon

Thomas Mitchell Gordon
Sept. 24, 1928-Feb. 23, 2011

Tom Gordon, 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday February 23, and is now in his new home in Heaven.
He was born in Seattle, Washington to Louis and Viva Gordon. He was raised on a five acre farm in Marysville along with his sisters, Lois and Lucille. In 1941 the family moved to Everett. He graduated from Everett High School in 1946, then joined the army attending basic training at Camp Polk, Louisiana. He later was transferred to Denver, Colorado as part of the 279th Medical Corp at Fitzsimmons General Hospital. He went on to the University of Washington where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business with Transportation emphasis in 1953. He was active in ROTC during his college years, earning many honors, and after graduation was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He met and dated Linda Wick, also from Everett, for two and a half years during their college days at UW. They were married December 27, 1952.
Following graduation he worked seven years for the Northern Pacific Railroad, including a two year management training program, when he and his family moved every six months. In 1960 he gave up this job to spend more time with his family. They returned to Everett, and he became a salesman for Foremost Dairy. He was a devoted, loving husband and father who put his family first. He shared completely in the raising of his four children and was proud of each child. He received the Everett High School Dad of the Year award in 1972 at the Walsh-Platt banquet. He was very active at Trinity Episcopal Church where the family attended, serving as Senior Warden twice and receiving the Bishop's Cross honor in 1979. When Foremost Dairy closed in 1981, he ventured out and developed a thriving international trade business named Pacific Sales and Marketing, selling dairy related products to Asia and the South Pacific.
In 1990, following the death of his wife, Linda, in 1989, he was blessed with love again and moved to Portland to begin a new life with Alison Jones. Together they traveled the world and enjoyed a wonderful life together. He loved people and enjoyed getting to know people of different cultures. He was highly respected for his honesty and for his integrity.
Tom is survived by many family members, his longtime partner and companion, Alison Jones; sister, Lois Mach; children, Diane Safstrom (Fred) and twin brother, Murray Gordon (Robin), Steve Gordon (Mary), Janet Seibold (Uli), Barbara Leone (John), and Alan Jones; 14 grandchildren, Christina Russell (Scott), Rachel Read (Justin), Kyle Gordon, Leah Hainey (Brian), David Safstrom, John Safstrom, Tyler Gordon, Callie Gordon, Sarah Gordon, Tina Seibold, Claire Seibold, Erik Leone, Cyprus Jones and Nia Jones; three great grandchildren, Tatum Russell, Owen Russell, and Isaac Russell; and his dog and faithful friend Beau.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 37 years, Linda.
A memorial service was held in Portland, OR Feb ruary 27, 2011. A celebration of life reception will be held in Everett at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or Hospice of Snohomish County.
Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.