Phoebe Cole Gordon

1955 - 2017

BORN

1955

DIED

2017

About

South Eugene High School University of Oregon

Phoebe Gordon Obituary

July 15, 1955 -

January 14, 2017

Phoebe Cole Gordon passed away peacefully on a wintery Saturday in January. She lived an exuberant life, though in recent years she battled heart and respiratory health issues.

Phoebe was born in Eugene, OR to Paul and Nonnie Cole. She attended South Eugene High School and the University of Oregon, receiving her BFA in Printmaking in 1981. She married Douglas Wilson in 1979, and later divorced and moved to San Francisco where she lived for several years with her longtime partner Larry Baune. She married Jesse Gordon in 1999 and resided in northern Idaho before returning to Eugene.

A gifted artist, Phoebe worked magic with ceramics, multi-dimensional paper arts and printmaking. Her works "The Famous Fandango" (1981) and "Shu Shu Wah" (1984) are in the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection. She called these bright, humorous images of the human form "doodles," originating from her time sketching while watching television. Throughout the span of her life's work, Phoebe created art that made people smile and see the humor in life.

Phoebe was represented in galleries from Eugene to San Francisco. An avid collector influenced and captivated by Mexican folk art, Phoebe most recently pursued creating alter/dioramas with her unique vision and interpretation. She became a frequent artist of note at Maude Kerns Art Center's Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead art celebration. Clayspace Eugene provided Phoebe with an active art community and ceramic studio.

Beyond generous, Phoebe is greatly missed by her friends and family. Her desire to explore life and push the boundaries in creativity and personal expression brought laughter and color to the lives of all who knew her. Phoebe's loves also included horses and her many feline companions, especially Miss-Minnie, who now has a new home. Phoebe is survived by her stepsons: Jesse Jr. and Jimi Gordon, her mother, Nonnie Cole, and her sister, Debbie (Jeffrey) Ogburn.

A Celebration of Life in Phoebe's honor will be held at the Starlight Lounge in downtown Eugene on Sunday, March 5, from 1 - 4 p.m.

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

Published by Eugene Register-Guard on Feb. 12, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Phoebe Gordon

7 Entries

David Iverson

March 3, 2017

Sorry to have to say goodbye to my lifelong friend, Phoebe. You are such a wonderful, special person who was always so very frank and honest. I will always remember and respect your intellect and abilities. I will always love you.

Candice Crossley

February 27, 2017

Just trying to reconnect with her and found her obit instead. What a shock - she was so vivid and colorful and talented. So very sad!

February 20, 2017

I only knew you for but a few months Miss Phoebe, but in that short time as your neighbor, I had no clue how much you grew in my heart until you had departed. I will miss our impromptu patio conversations, and our bantering about the University Band and noise, and I will miss that sarcastic smile, combined with your wonderful words of Wit, that kept me guessing as to what you were actually referring to when conveyed. Although, I did eventually get it, if I truly listened, as you were one of only a few that I spent more time listening to, rather that speaking, as you spoke continual wisdom, which I was so hungry for. I am so thankful to have been there for you in your last days, and remember this. It was no accident I knocked on your door on that sunny April morning, simply to ask permission to park the car. As that was the beginning of what became. Yes, you were private, but never to me. The impact that you had on me will not be in vain, for you touched my heart, when I had lost all hope, simply by being who you were. As I look to the east early each day, I will smile,and say. Good morning Miss Phoebe! Knowing that you hear all, and are smiling down upon all of those us who you left behind. Granted, I refused to let go, and was not ready to say good-bye, but I know it is what I had to do, as you weren't looking back due to the journey you began down the one way road to God's Eternity. You see, sometimes those who you knew the least, touched you the most. Know I will never forget you my friend.

Harriet Kelly

February 17, 2017

So sad. She was such a gifted and original person. I feel lucky to have known her.

February 15, 2017

am saddened to learn of Phoebe's passing. She was a good friend and I shall miss her.
Adam Cimerman
San Francisco,Ca.

pat zeigler

February 12, 2017

So sorry to hear this news. I bought her lithograph "Soul Kitchen" 6/9, in the 80's and it is still one of my favorites. Everyone who sees it loves it.

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