Name: Visitation for Gordon R. Salchow
Start: 2019-10-09T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-10-09T16:30:00.000Z
Location: Spring Grove Funeral Home

Gordon R. Salchow

Cincinnati, OH - Gordon R. Salchow, of Cincinnati, Ohio, published his acclaimed book, ABOUT DESIGN: insights + provocations for graphic design enthusiasts in 2018. He was a Professor Emeritus at the University of Cincinnati where he was appointed, in 1967, to develop a new curriculum and a department of graphic design. Its initiatives and its success quickly established UC as one of graphic design's most respected educational institutions. He directed that academic unit for many years, continuing in a full-time teaching role, and then retired in 2010. Previous to Cincinnati, Professor Salchow taught at the Kansas City Art Institute. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

Gordon was a guest lecturer for various organizations, conferences, and universities. His design work and articles appeared in numerous exhibitions, periodicals, and books. He often judged competitions, and he served on more than a dozen National Endowment for the Arts' Design Improvement Program panels from 1974 to 1985; chaired the Ohio Arts Council's Design Arts Advisory Panel in 1982/1983; and had participated on a variety of other professional panels. Salchow was Vice President of Education for the American Institute of Graphic Arts while serving on its National Board of Directors (1988-1993), and in 2007 the AIGA honored him as Cincinnati's first National AIGA Fellow. Additionally, he was the 1992 recipient of the Cincinnati Art Directors' Club's Lifetime Achievement Award and the 1985 recipient of the Minnesota Graphic Design Association's similar Design for Society Award. He was known nationally as a pioneer in graphic design education, and leaves an indelible mark on the design community. He was an avid singles tennis player.

Gordon passed away peacefully at home on October 4, with family by his side. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Kathy Stewart Salchow; daughters, Kelly Salchow MacArthur and Raegen Amme Stauffer; grandchildren, Oskar, Gable, Sutton, and Sloane; sons-in-law, James MacArthur and Morgan Stauffer; sisters-in-law, Roxanne Salchow, Kay Grimminger, and Susan Stewart; brother-in-law, Sam Grimminger; as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Emma; and brother, Bernard. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and thousands of former students. His unconventional and quirky perspectives will live on.

Memorial donations can be directed to Immanuel Presbyterian Church (3445 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45220) or The Clifton Community Fund https://cliftoncommunityfund.org/donate/

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, from 12:00 until 12:30 when the funeral services will begin, at Spring Grove Funeral Home (4389 Spring Grove Ave, 45223). A celebration of life reception will immediately follow the services. Gordon will be laid to rest at Spring Grove Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at www.SpringGrove.org.

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

Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer on Oct. 6, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Salchow

15 Entries

Catherine M RING LIPPS

September 30, 2022

Thinking of Gordon today. So blessed to have had his mentorship!

Cathy Ring Lipps

September 8, 2020

I was sorry to hear that Gordon passed away. He was an inspiration to all graphic designers and I could feel Kathy's love for him every time she mentioned his name. He gave concentrated advice during critiques that made us think and made us better. Rest in peace, Gordon Salchow. You will be missed.

Gordon Salchow | C. 1991

Mich Gunderman

October 10, 2019

They say everyone has a voice in their head. Well, mine is named: Gordon Salchow.

It was Gordon who first told me to consider Graphic Design as a profession. He looked at a portfolio of hand lettering samples I presented to him while I was at his house babysitting Kelly and Raegen. He and Kathy had just returned from a Friday night tennis match at Clifton Meadows when my nieve high-school self asked Gordon for his opinion. It would be years later before I would begin to understand the weight and value of a Gordon critique. Those simple words: "You should consider Graphic Design" quite literally changed my life.

Gordon lived what he taught. I am thankful for his insistence that effective design is both a choice and a decision. What I love most about Gordon is that he remained true to himself. He never wavered, which was evidenced by anyone who spent time with him, attended his lectures, or took a field trip to the Clifton design mecca, otherwise referred to as The Salchow House.

Gordon had a smirk I adored. You can see it in the attached photo. He sat for me in 1991 for a project I had in my photography class. In typical Gordon fashion, he let me take three pictures, no more. The attached image is one of them, and it was printed in the darkroom at DAAP.

With love, respect, and my utmost gratitude, I send blessings and condolences to you: Kathy, Kelly, and Raegen.

Dan Bittman

October 10, 2019

Thank you Gordon for championing integrity in all that we do.

Gordon Salchow

Mich Gunderman

October 10, 2019

Douglas Crow

October 9, 2019

May His comfort and peace be upon Kathy, Kelly, Raegen, the Salchow family and friends.

I was a student in the KCAI Graphic Design Class of 1967 and recall with vivid memories, Professor Salchow's monolithic ideas, far-ranging influence and dynamism as an educator. His abilities to inspire curiosity, risk-taking, creativity, self discipline, excellence, introspection and intellectual integrity seemed to me to approach infinitude.

Gordon Salchow inspired me to envision the ultimate influence of Design far beyond the specific professional applications of the Graphic Design profession. For example, as an article on Christian Atonement states: The purpose of God in Christ's death was determined at the foundation of the world. The DESIGN (my emphasis) was not guesswork but according to a specific plan and purpose, which God is sovereignly bringing to pass. (Reformation Study Bible)

His Agape Love to all.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Gayla Broxterman

October 9, 2019

Kathy I am so sorry to hear this. We enjoyed you and Gordon on your short stay.

Gordon Salchow, first year teaching at Kansas City Art Institute Graphic Design Department.

John Sylvester

October 8, 2019

I was a student of Graphic Design at Kansas City Art Institute from 1964-1967. It was the first teaching position for Gordon after graduating from Yale Graduate Design Program. Rob Roy Kelly, Chairman of Graphic Design, brought him in to be on the staff of a new department. Gordon was a tough teacher and critical thinker and helped develop our sense and love of design. Reading his book ABOUT DESIGN took me back to the days at KCAI and many of the basics he instilled in all of us. My condolences to Kathy, Kelly, Raegen, the Salchow family and friends. His death reminds me how short life is and makes me cherish the days we have and being with those that love us. Thanks Gordon.

Vandy Ritter

October 8, 2019

Gordon was one of the most erudite and intellectual of all our professors, much love and great respect to a true forward thinking and very creative, progressive teacher.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

diana yanovick dornquast

October 7, 2019

I was a simple - not great - student of Gordon's. However, his never-ending quest for quality and his immensely high standards set the tone for my life and work. I was taught to achieve amazing things because of his vision and relentless pursuit of design perfection. I am forever indebted to Gordon and am consoled that little bit of him lives on in each of us, his admiring students. Rest in peace, Gordon...you did so very very much for so very many. THANK YOU is way to little....
Dianovick <3

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Tricia Hennessy

Sent Flowers

Robert Probst

October 7, 2019

Gordon has changed our life when he invited us to join the faculty of the Graphic Design Department at UC - over 40 years ago. Coming to the US from Europe, Gordon took us under his wings. He was a deeply committed educator, a smart administrator, a superb designer, a wonderfully supportive colleague, and a great friend with a wicked sense of humor. He was our role model. We are forever grateful for his trust and his friendship. - Our deepest condolences. We will miss you Gordon! - Robert and Alison Probst

Angela Grimminger-Rosheim

October 5, 2019

Kathy, Kelly, and Raegen I am sending you sincere sympathy during this really hard time. Gordon was a one of kind guy-so full of talent, wisdom, and quiet strength. Wishing you peace as you go through the next few months. Love to you all.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results