Gordon C. STYLER

STYLER, Gordon C.
Gordon 'Gordo' Styler of Astoria, Oregon passed away peacefully in Portland on June 18, 2012.

Born to Charles and Evelyn Styler on June 15, 1947, Gordo spent his early years in Davis, graduating from Davis High in 1965 and UC Davis in 1969. He became a widely respected radio DJ who was expert in 60s and 70s rock music, and radio was his life. Gordo began as station manager at KDVS in Davis and worked at KZAP in Sacramento during its heyday in the 70s. More recently, his Saturday night program on KMUN, Coastal Public Radio out of Astoria, was celebrated by fans around the world, listening over the airwaves and internet. Gordo put together wonderfully evocative sets from his large record collection, creating moods that drew many inquiries about the music. One of these callers to KZAP became his beloved wife, Marilyn. When she passed away in 2004, Gordo scattered her ashes at the mouth of the Columbia River, as she had wished. He was greatly touched by the kindness of the people of Astoria and soon moved there to start a new life. Gordo became active in the community and with his brother Bill, a luthier, opened the quirky Astoria Guitar Company, noted for its vintage and custom instruments. He volunteered at KMUN, hosted the annual Tenor Guitar Gathering, and organized fund-raising concerts for local causes. Remember when radio was cool? With Gordo it still was. Gordo was an artist in sound, a notorious raconteur, and loved the coincidences that led new and former friends to cross his path. In life, Gordo entertained many thousands of people, and somewhere he's still spinning vinyl records, weaving magic, and telling jokes. Gordo's family was very close, and he will be deeply missed by brother Bill Styler and sister-in-law Sue Styler, of Priest River, ID; dear friend DeeDee Baldwin of Woodland, WA; many loving cousins; and numerous friends and fans.

A celebration of Gordo's life is planned to begin 5 PM Saturday, June 30 at the Annex of the Ft. George Brewery and Public House in Astoria, Oregon. For further information please contact Bill Styler at (509) 939-8267 or check the KMUN website (http://www.coastradio.org).