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Claire Phillips Gordon

1919 - 2016

Claire Phillips Gordon obituary, 1919-2016, Los Angeles, CA

Claire Gordon Obituary

January 23, 1919 - June 3, 2016 Claire, the daughter of William and Reba Phillips, graduated from Los Angeles High School at age 16, having skipped two years. She attended UCLA, where she was a member of the Alumni Association, and received her degree from UC Berkeley in 1939. While secretary for Duke Ellington in NYC, she met her future husband, Irving Gordon, a songwriter for Ellington, and composer of the song "Unforgettable" for Nat King Cole. After a divorce, she married Kenneth Williams Fertig, known as Ken Williams, actor and radio/TV announcer. Following his death, she married William Joe Peel, who survives her, along with two sons from the first marriage, William P. Gordon, Ph.D., Richard Eliot Gordon, and a grandson, Jonathan Paul Gordon. She is the author of several books, including "Boy Meets Horn," "My Unforgettable Jazz Friends," "The Color of Music," and had just completed a historical novel about the role of Jews in Columbus' voyage to the New World. She died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 97 at her home in Arroyo Grande, California.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Jun. 7 to Jun. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Claire Gordon

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Janice Konstantinidis

June 1, 2023

Thinking of you, Claire. You are missed.

James Kaye

October 19, 2016

I was sorry to learn of Claire's passing. My mother, Gloria Goldner Kaye (1925-2013) was a first cousin of Claire's first husband Irving Gordon. Their fathers were brothers, who also had four sisters. When I learned about Claire's book, "My Unforgettable Jazz Friends," I ordered copies for my mom and for me. Irving was my most well-known relative. I spoke to Claire once and she surely had a long, interesting and productive life. Sincere condolences to her sons. Age differences and geography kept our respective branches of the family apart.

Carol Ann Starr, R.N.

June 14, 2016

Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Claire Gordon. May you find solace in the warm, caring and fond memories you carry of her as well as through the legacy of the novels she wrote. I had an opportunity to care for Claire for a period of time and through that experience was able to help promote her book "The Color of Music," the story of twin brothers raised apart who meet through music. I am a twin myself, which thrilled Claire to no end! We never failed to have delightful conversations. I immensely enjoyed hearing of her many travels and she of my life growing up as a twin. She will be missed, but also fondly remembered.

Chuck & Lisa

June 14, 2016

Lisa & I were lucky to meet Claire & Joe about four years ago. Our lunches & dinners were always fascinating. What a life Claire had! Our condolences to Joe and all of the family and friends of Claire. It was an honor and a privilege to have known her.

Jonathan Gordon

June 13, 2016

I will miss my beloved grandma very much, but she graced me with many fond memories.

Jean and Guillermo Galvan

June 13, 2016

She lived a long and busy life; will be remembered and missed by many. Our thoughts are with you, Joe, and the family.
Jean and Guillermo Galvan

Torre & Larry

June 13, 2016

Strength, a fine mind, and using her literary ability to the end of her life. Those are the qualities of Claire that shine in my recollections. Our deepest condolences to Joe. May memories of good moments comfort you. Claire's spirit lives on in all who knew her.

June 10, 2016

Sincere condolences to Claire's family. May God grant you peace in the days ahead.

Janice

June 9, 2016

Hilary got the nomination Claire.
Here's to a life well lived. We had some good laughs.

The Adams-Moore Clan

Abby Adams

June 7, 2016

Claire was a classy woman whose lovely home, artwork, and memories echoed her life. May we all be so together in our 90's. Thank you for being a friend to me and my family. You taught us about a life well lived!

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