Gordon T. Gurney

Gordon T. Gurney, 88, of Holden, died Sunday, July 20, 2008 in UMass Memorial Hospital, Worcester.

He leaves his wife of 34 years, Claire D. Gurney; three daughters, Doreen Slovin of Holden; Marilyn Gibson of Stockbridge, VT; Janet Fitzhenry of Swampscott; and three grandsons Peter, Joseph, and Richard Fitzhenry.

Gordon was born in 1920 in Milton, MA, the son of Louis and Gertrude Gurney. He earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering (Aeronautics option) from WPI in 1941, and subsequently taught at WPI in the 1940s. He served in various research and engineering positions including Chief Engineer and Director of Engineering at Rockwell Sprinkler until 1963, followed by Research and Chief Engineering positions at Crompton and Knowles, Alden Labs, and Feecon Corp. He was a registered Professional Engineer, a senior member of ASTE, ASME, SFPE professional organizations, and held four U.S. Patents.

With equal passion for music, Gordon was an accomplished Bass soloist, and touched the lives of many thousands throughout New England. He was a founding member of and soloist for Salisbury Singers and MasterSingers of Worcester, a soloist with Worcester Orchestra Chorus, the Detroit Symphony, and Chorus Pro Musica of Boston. Notably, he was principal Bass Soloist at Old South Church in Boston, as well as at First Unitarian of Worcester where he was honored as Soloist Emeritus in 2008. He was often sought after as a featured soloist for Ernst Bloch's Sacred Service oratorio, as well as Brahms' A German Requiem, receiving acclaimed reviews.

Pipe organs were his favorite instrument, not only to listen to, but also to build and maintain. He was deeply involved in refurbishing the Steinmeyer pipe organ at First Baptist of Holden, as well as the Casavant and Aeolian - Skinner instruments at First Unitarian.

Gordon was an ardent mechanical/automotive restorer, and a lifelong sailing enthusiast, enjoying not only the nautical experience, but also the aerodynamics and technical aspects of sailing.

He served as Treasurer of (WPI) Tech OldTimers, a volunteer for Wachusett EarthDay, and a frequent consultant with Heifer Project's Overlook Farm in Rutland regarding farm machinery.

Gordon has donated his body to Harvard Medical School for research. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept 13th, in the First Unitarian Church of Worcester, 90 Main St., Worcester 01608. Memorial donations may be made to the Organ Fund at First Unitarian; or to Heifer Project International, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland, MA 01543. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden is assisting the family with arrangements.

www.milesfuneralhome.com