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NEIL GORDON Obituary
died on May 19, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. A husband, father, brother, friend, novelist, educator, critic, and radical thinker, Neil's ethical sensibility, thoughtful worldview, and sheer good humor powerfully influenced the lives of those around him. Neil was born in South Africa in 1958. His parents, anti- apartheid activists, emigrated in 1961. After receiving a BA from University of Michigan (1980), and a PhD in French Literature from Yale (1991), he worked at The New York Review of Books and as Boston Review's Literary Editor. His four novels - "Sacrifice of Isaac," "The Gun Runner's Daughter," "The Company You Keep," (adapted into a movie) and "You're a Big Girl Now" - all explored the personal experience of radical politics, from the formation of Israel to the Vietnam War. Neil had a profound commitment to teaching. As Dean of Eugene Lang College, professor of literature at The New School, and Dean of the American University of Paris, Neil loved expanding students' perspectives through literature and their own writing. Neil is survived by wife Esin Goknar, children Leila and Jacob Gordon, brother David, and sister Philippa and her family. We will miss him immensely.
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Memories and Condolences
for NEIL GORDON
Peter Jaeger
May 22, 2022
This clever website prompted me to follow up on my 2017 post, and I actually appreciate the chance to add that since posting, I ordered not one but a handful of Neil's books.
On this anniversary of his passing I will say simply that these literary gifts he left to the world are rare and wonderful.
Trent D. Pendley
June 23, 2017
I'm crestfallen to learn of Neil's passing. We had corresponded for years and I mentioned his first novel in mine in 2015.
Jerry Adler
June 3, 2017
The family of Max Adler remembers Neil Gordon with great affection and deeply mourns his passing.
Ruth Yodaiken
June 3, 2017
I met Neil as an adult when he was studying in Paris and I visited with a high school friend. We thought he was the coolest person ever and indeed he was: a young New Yorker immersed in Paris, with intellect, a kindness and warm sense of humor. I remember his joy in family- his beautiful wedding, and the updates from my parents on his life as a proud father and a good son. Back in NYC, I remember his inspiring determination to make the transformation to novelist. I still have Sacrifice of Isaac on a bookshelf. I wish his family and friends strength during this difficult time.
Lawrence Pitkethly
June 1, 2017
I am shocked and saddened to read of Neil's death. I knew him for a brief period, when he was Dean of the faculty at the American University of Paris but I was always touched by his sensitivity, impressed by his intellectual grasp, encouraged by his warmth as a human being, and encouraged by his support. My deepest condolences go to his family and all who were near and dear to him. Lawrence Pitkethly (Hudson)
Robert Hunter
May 31, 2017
Neil was a good friend of my Father, and even though he did not know me, he did me a kind and generous service when he collected my degree certificate on my behalf from a university in Paris when I was out of the country.
I regret I was never able to meet him to thank him for this, and experience his undoubted wit, warmth, and intelligence first hand.
His book 'The Company You Keep' remains on my shelf to this day.
My sincerest condolences to his family.
Mark Statman
May 31, 2017
His memory a blessing.
Michael Robbins
May 30, 2017
I forgot to sign my name! -One of the "three musketeers" for a while with Richard Numeroff -
-Michae Robbins
Peter Jaeger
May 30, 2017
My sympathy, condolences, and prayers to Neil's family. We are never ready to lose a father, a brother, a husband, but Neil was far too young to leave us.
Like one other poster, I regret that my contact with Neil since St Ann's was limited to just a few emails. Also, I am embarrassed to say I have still not read his novel so I will order it now.
May 30, 2017
So very saddened by this news about Neil, had been following his written work, loved him when he was at St. Ann's. Warmest condolences to his family. Steevie Chinitz
May 30, 2017
I have very fond and important memories of Neil from St. Ann's. For a while, he Richard Numeroff and I, thought of ourselves as the 'three musketeers' and spent a lot of time together. Towards the end of High school, we drifted apart, but he had a big impact opn me as a young man. As an adult I read his book , The Gun Runners Daughter , and was very impressed by the sensitivity and complexity of his thinking. I am sorry that I never had the chance to reconnect with him as an adult. My deepest sympathy and condolences goes out to his family.
Andrea Doremus-Cuetara
May 30, 2017
Very sad news. My heart goes out to you, his family. A very kind and gentle soul ... I remember his sweet smile so well. Now taken from a world that needs him. Made better because he was here.
Catharine Doherty Perris
May 30, 2017
So very sorry to hear this sad news. I remember Neil fondly from St. Ann's days.
May he Rest In Peace.
Cat Doherty Perris
Ann Kaplan
May 30, 2017
I was in the same class at St. Ann's. May time and love comfort your family. Very sorry to hear about Neil.
A.G
May 29, 2017
To the Gordon Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss
My condolences to your family.
May the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts .
David Hunter
May 29, 2017
I always hoped to see Neil again but never managed to cross the Atlantic.
My first memory of Neil was of us swimming in Kinghorn Loch in 1968; my last memory was in 2016 when he wrote thanking me for sending him a copy of Alvah Bessie's collection of writings of the Abraham Lincoln brigade. 48 years is a long time but I wish there had been time for more memories.
My condolences to David and Philly and all the rest of the Gordon family
Sarah Cahill
May 28, 2017
Neil was a remarkable man. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
Ruth Goldfarb Koizim
May 28, 2017
Please accept my deepest condolences. Neil and I were grad students in French together many years ago but I still remember with great fondness his wit, his intelligence and his compassion. May his memory be for a blessing.
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