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GORDON AATLO Obituary
Resident of San Mateo
Gordon D. Aatlo passed away suddenly on April 24, 2012.
Gordon was a renowned jewelry artist and designer with a career spanning more than seven decades in the San Francisco Bay Area, most recently as president of Gordon Aatlo Designs in San Carlos.
Gordon began his career at 830 Market Street, San Francisco's jewelry epicenter, where he apprenticed with his father, Hilmar. There he learned all aspects of the jewelry trades. As his skills developed, he began his design career. Known for his superb technical skills, inventiveness, artistry and love of colored gemstones, Gordon was twice the recepient of the American Gem Trade Association Spectrum Award, the highest accolade a designer can achieve in the United States.
A kind and generous man, Gordon possessed skills outside of his work and always offered encouragement to others to pursue their passions, interests and dreams. Together with his late wife Alma, they owned Norma Jewelers in San Carlos for over 28 years, where they met many friends who became part of their family.
Gordon is preceded in death by his beloved wife Alma, parents Hilmar and Lilly Aatlo and brother Bruce Aatlo. He is survived by his sons, Thore and Byron Aatlo, Kelly Allen and Kim Eric Lilot; daughters Grace Montijo. Christine (Robert) Thoresen and Sarah Lilot; sister Lillian Miller of Lucerne; grandchildren Gwendolyn, Holden and Nash Aatlo, Claire, Rieve and Erin-Marie MacEwen, Daniel and Gina Allen and the late Elyse MacEwen. Gordon is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his sisters-in-law Marie Volano and Christine Ward.
Gordon leaves a legacy of beautiful designs in jewelry as well as a loving family that will carry on their father's work.
Gordon proudly served his country as a Supply Sergent in the U.S. Army in the Panama Canal Zone.
Donations can be made in Gordon's memory to Jewelers For Veterans, jewelersforveterans.org.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park. A reception will follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GORDON AATLO
Margareta Swann
May 6, 2021
Gorden was a great Artist and just one of the nicest and kindest people you want to meet. We miss him greatly.
Rosemary Comisky Culiver
May 6, 2021
Miss Gordon and Alma. Hard to believe it’s been nine years. Gordon married Troy and I in 2006. He made our wedding rings and Alma was my maid of honor. Although he’s not with us now his beautiful designs live on.
Margareta Swann
May 6, 2019
Ben and I miss him. He was kind and a great artist.
April 23, 2013
My mother was married to Gordon's uncle. I used to go to San Francisco on the bus; Gordon and Ralph DelSarto and I used to wander all over the city, especially Golden Gate Park and the beach. We were preteens and everywhere seemed safe. I also would go with him to see Hilmer make jewelry. After the divorce, I never reconnected--what a shame and loss for me. My sincere condolences. Marilyne Cizmich
June 13, 2012
To the AATLO family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength through this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P -|-
May 16, 2012
Gordon & Alma will be sorely missed by us. Gordon married Rosemary and I with Alma as the Matron of honor Gordon and I have been friends for nearly 50 years. The loss of them both is devestating. Our best wishes for the family.
Troy & Rosemary Culiver, San Francisco
May 15, 2012
My condolences to the entire family. May God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Romans15:4
May 13, 2012
To the AATLO family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P
May 13, 2012
Gordon you will be missed. My your family be strong in the prayer of the Lord. I spent about 9 GemFairs Tucson with him~
Patti Clune
Savannah, GA
Ben & Margareta Swann-Asgharzadeh
May 12, 2012
Ben and I send our love and sincere Sympathy. Gordon was our friend and we love him and are looking forward to seeing him when it is our time to go to God.
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