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Clovis, California

GORDON HATHAWAY Obituary

Gordon who lived in Clovis, whose life was dedicated to Jesus, his loving family and his many friends, passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at age 52. Gordon was born on December 15, 1959, in Natrona Heights, Pa., and came to Fresno as a little boy. He graduated from Hoover High School and California State University, Fresno. After serving as an associate pastor in Coalinga Ca., Gordon began his teaching career in Fresno at Thomas School. He then taught at McCardle School for many years. His last years were spent working as a direct care provider at a residential home with CCMRS. Gordon met and married Joanie Ely in 1990. They have four treasured children, Andrew, Holly, Caleb and Christy. He had a heart for serving others, working at Camp Chickasaw at Sequoia Lake, with Youth for Christ, and most recently with Joni and Friends family retreats. His motto was "Trust Jesus". Gordon cherished and valued relationships with people, his family, friends and strangers above any accomplishment in his life. His laugh was infectious! "Thank you for investing in my life. There has been so much love. Jesus loves us all. Please draw neat as we will all leave this place some day." Gordon is survived by his wife and his children; his mother, Agnes Williams of Fresno; his sister, Elizabeth Hathaway of Madera; his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Sandi Hathaway of El Dorado Hills; and three nephews, Austin, Justin and Kenji Hathaway. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Well Community Church, Shaw and Peach Avenues in Clovis, Ca. on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at 4:00 p.m.

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

Published by Fresno Bee on May 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for GORDON HATHAWAY

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Damebria Villines

June 24, 2019

Im very saddened to hear about Mr. Hathaways passing. I just recently found out. He was my favorite teacher of all time! Ill never forget when he came to my birthday party. It was like having a celebrity there! He made my fourth grade year the best year of Elementry. He always had the best out look and attitude. Rest In Peace Mr. Hathaway. May you fly with the angels ❤

George Smith

June 18, 2012

Heaven is richer for having Gordon there...and earth is poorer. What a great guy!

God comfort you all in this painful time of loss.

June 2, 2012

My family was truly blessed to have met Gordon and the family in June of 2011. We are actually cousins through his Mom and had never met before then. I liked Gordon very much. His personality just beamed like a beacon to all. His family was truly blessed to have him in their life! God's blessings and joys to all the family and friends.
Peggy and Larry Logue, Freeport, PA

Patrick Borin

May 31, 2012

Gordan, my brother in friendship and in Christ. I often wondered which road you wandered, but knew you were never alone as love followed you everywhere. From the one you called Prex to the one I called Ox, thank you for being you, which is so much more then one man could comprehend. Love you always.

julia tadich

May 27, 2012

He was the kindness person. Lucy his student when Mackenzie her sister was diagnosed with cancer. He was very acomadating and helpful to out family. What a big loss to his family and our community.

Sandy Markle

May 27, 2012

We are truly going to miss Gordon. He was my brother Chris Hansen's very dear friend. He impacted many lives for Christ and I was one of them. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Jim Lusk

May 26, 2012

The infectious laugh, perhaps one of the best descriptions of Gordon outwardly. A wonderful friend who will be missed.

Kimberly Quinn

May 26, 2012

Gordon was the kind of man who could relate to anyone, build a relationship with them, accept them where they were and encourage them to be their best. Gordon's physical presence is gone but his legacy will live on for generations.

Lori Esau

May 26, 2012

I met Gordon when we were both on Youth For Christ staff in the late 70's and early 80's. Later it was my privilege to work alongside him one year at Joni and Friends Family Retreat.
I will miss your smile and your amazing laugh, Gordon!

Craig Burdine

May 26, 2012

Gordon was one of those special guys in my life that made a huge difference in my walk with God. It was at Clark intermediate and he was my Youth for Christ leader. Forever in my memories. God bless.

Marcan McQueen

May 26, 2012

Gordon was a great friend during jr hi & high school and college. It hit me hard to hear of his passing. The Gordon I remember had a positive, encouraging outlook on life. Also, he was a great influence on my early christian life. Before I became a christian, he had some of us playing a Keith Green song at the Hoover talent show. He used to gently evangelize during high school. Later he encouraged me in my walk. When I spent time with him during college, He was very open and honest about his walk, which was refreshing. I did not stay in touch with him over the ensuing years, other than seeing him briefly last year, which was great. Gordon made his mark as a positive influence on my life.

John & Pam Johns

May 23, 2012

Dear Joanie, we can only imagine the depth of your loss of your dear husband, Gordon. We met Gordon when he became Youth/Associate Pastor at Coalinga First Baptist Church. He was Youth Pastor to our two youngest children as well as our friend and simpatico in Christ. Gordon was a person who we liked and loved from the very beginning. He had a heart for the Lord Jesus and a love of other people that was infectious. We count ourselves blessed just to have known him. If you knew Gordon your Loved Gordon. We can still hear that wonderful laugh of his. May the Lord Jesus give you, your children and all your family His Peace and Comfort during this difficult time.

LARRY & PAT GROSSI

May 22, 2012

JOANIE, WE DIDN'T KNOW GORDON VERY WELL, BUT WE WANTED TO CONVEY OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Lera Faye Beasley

May 19, 2012

I remember Gordon from being at the same church with him ...probably while in high school. My husband & I were so touched by him as a young man...his love for Jesus & others was incredible..and that laugh we will never forget. We plan to attend his service on 5/26 so we can hear about his life as he became a young adult with a family. Our loss & heaven's gain! Faye Beasley

Wayne & Cindy Lipe

May 19, 2012

The world will definately miss Gordon. He was a youth pastor for my son. Recent years we reconnected with him and his family. It was so good to see his wonderful family. My prayers are with those little ones and his wife. Everyone loved Gordon. We will miss him.

Phyllis Amenda

May 17, 2012

Joanie, It's been so long since I've seen you, but am heartbroken to learn of Gordon's passing. My thoughts and prayers with you all.

May 17, 2012

I enjoyed teaching with Gordon at McCardle. He was so creative, and his students adored him. God bless you and comfort you, Joni, and the children, too.
Sincerely,
Lani Kinney

Dolores Davidian

May 17, 2012

I was a volunteer at McCardle School when awesome Mr. Hathaway was principal. My experience of mentoring children from foreign countries was a treasured memory.
Being in Mr. Hathaway's presence filled me to overflowing with divine, unconditional love . . .He put a rainbow of blessings in my life.
Dear family ~ "God is your everlasting light, and your days of mourning shall end." Isaiah 60:20 Your beloved Gordon closed his eyes on earth and opened them n Heaven where His Savior, JESUS, wrapped His holy arms around His precious child and welcomed him to his eternal home. Gordon is "absent from his body and present with his Lord. REJOICE. As a child of God, we will one day be reunited with our loved ones.

Carol (Hyer) Whitaker

May 16, 2012

My condolences to Gordon's family. I will always remember his infectious laugh, the joy he had in life, his love for music, and his heart for God. My prayers go out to his family.

Cheryl Taussig

May 16, 2012

Thank you Gordon for blessing mine and Cassandras life at Joni and Friends retreat. You blessed us thru your servants heart and great smile. You were a joy to us. I'll never forget you jumped on your bike and rode off to get my daughter who had run off. Thank you Joanie for all you did what an amazing blessing and encouragement you were to me as a single mom.Im. soo sorry you lost your best friend I will pray for you.

Cheryl Smithberg-Coddington

May 15, 2012

I was saddened to learn of the death of Gordon. His life and mine crossed briefly when we both taught at Thomas Elementary School in Fresno, CA. Many people speak of his contagious laugh! That is definitely what I think of when I remember Gordon.

Blessings to his family and children during this difficult transition. I'm certain Gordon's voice is rejoicing and singing out "How Great Thou Art" while greeting his Lord and Savior!

Anita & Jayline Morris

May 15, 2012

Gordon, you made a difference in my families' life and you have left a large footprint on our hearts. I am so grateful to God for brining you and your family into our lives. May you find rest at the feet of our Savior, Jesus. Love you.

Rik Yantis

May 15, 2012

Gordon was one of my best friends in High School. I wll always remember our great idea of going to look for our first summer job after we graduated from high school. Vinnie, Gordon and I driving went driving around town picking up job applications hoping to find a job where we could work together. Good times. I will also remember how much Gordon loved Jesus. You could not talk to Gordon with out him directing the conversation to Jesus. Although we lost touch, my thoughts go to Gordon's family. I know he was loved because he truely knew how to love others.

Cathie Jensen

May 15, 2012

Gordon will truly be missed in community. I remember him from his days at VCC. Joanie, The Lord's comfort be your resting place the rest of your days!

May 15, 2012

I have memories of you and those will always be in my heart may you rest peacefully, God Bless You, Gordon. Sincerley,Marlene GallenKamp Class Of Hoover Patriots 1980, deepest sympathy to your kids and family, to them i'm so sorry for their loss..

Gordon and Chris Sept 2011

Chris and Ann Hansen

May 15, 2012

Gordon and Joanie at our Wedding Reception 1993

Chris and Ann Hansen

May 15, 2012

Gordon and Joanie at our Wedding Reception 1993

Chris and Ann Hansen

May 15, 2012

Christina Reyna Venable

May 14, 2012

I was very saddend to hear of Gordon's passing. Like so many, I have very happy and fond memories of both Gordon and Joanie. Always dedicated to Jesus, he really helped me understand so much about him. Working at Camp Chickasaw was a joy and it was because of the Hathaway's that I grew so much during those 6 weeks. My prayers, thoughts & love are with all of you during this difficult time. God Bless.

Nancy Willey

May 14, 2012

What a shock to read in the paper about Gordon's passing. Just the thought of him brings a smile to our faces and stirs us to want to live for Jesus. He and you, Joannie, have blessed our family in so many ways over the years. Each of us has our special memories of Gordon. We all love you.

Tina Shelley

May 14, 2012

Gordon always inspired everyone around him to be better than they were...just by being Gordon. He was such a light in our lives. Will miss him so much. HUGS to Joanie, Holly, Andrew, Christy and Caleb and Liz and Kenji. Love you guys

Caren Anderson

May 14, 2012

Two of my children had Gordon as a teacher at McCardle Elementary. He was very good to my oldest child, who was difficult to deal with at times. Always treated him with respect and maintained his dignity, while offering appropriate discipline when needed. My condolences to his family. Sending prayer during this difficult time.

May 14, 2012

I have never thought of Gordon without a smile immediately coming to me face, his laugh, his caring heart, his willingness. Love you guys and know the God of all comfort loves you more than we can imagine. Jane Fain

May 14, 2012

Dear Joni, remembering our fun times at Camp Chickasaw makes me smile. Your family is so much a part of my happy memories. I am heartbroken for Gordon's untimely passing and will keep you, the children and Gordon in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you. Affectionately, Luanne Doyland

Hunter Raburn

May 14, 2012

My heart breaks over Gordon's passing. He ispired me to be a better father, husband and Christian. You all are in my prayers.

karen Hitch

May 14, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. God Bless you.

Brandi Lanier

May 14, 2012

My heart broke when I heard the news, and it continues to break when I pray for Joanie and the kids. Gordon was a great man, and I feel blessed that God allowed me to know him and his amazing family. I love you Hathaway family! You are always in my prayers and in my families prayers. What a joy it is to know that Gordon loved Jesus and is now with him.

Lori Scott

May 14, 2012

Joanie and kids, I am so very very sorry for your loss. Gordon was one of the very first influences of Christ that I had in my life in middle school, and then later God arranged it so that we could be friends with you guys as adults. Gordon was a very loving and accepting man, and incredibly encouraging and a great example of Christ. Praying for you all.

Love, In Him,

Lori Scott and family

Amanda Borchansky

May 13, 2012

I am so sorry. Mr. Hathaway was a nice man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Trudy Evans Davis

May 13, 2012

I met Gordon in Jr.High school at Awahnee & then at Hoover High. Even then he was a very special person who could light up the world with his smile and infectious laugh!! He will always be remembered fondly. My prayers go out to his wife & family at this time.

Marian Miller

May 13, 2012

I just found out about the great loss the world has suffered. My heart was touched by Gordon in jr. High and at Hoover. Gordon lived by faith even back then. He cared about everyone. His laugh came flooding back in the great memories I have if Gordon. Singing with Gordon was a privedge as much as it was a treat to have such an awesome friend. I am not surprised at his accomplishments in life. And when I think if Gordon, I remember him taking time in his busy life to visit me in the hospital in one if my darkest days. He reminded me of what God says, that I am created to worship God and that no matter what I felt....I am worthy because God has made me worthy. Thank you God for loaning us one of your angels. Everyone who knew Gordon, were blessed in knowing him. Gordon.....now you are singing with the greatest and now they are being blessed with the sound of Gordon's laughter.

John Baker

May 11, 2012

I meet Gordon at the Wonder Valley Retreat in 2011 and enjoyed so much his love of life and great sense of humor. My condolences to his family. I pray that Jesus will draw all of Gordon's friends to Himself.

Patti Robbins

May 11, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time.
Michael and Patti Robbins
Cathy Robbins

Boice Funeral Home

May 11, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Maria n rachelle martinez

May 10, 2012

Thank u for blessing us at JAF in the past 2 yrs. We have attended. We will continue to keep the fam. In prayer. God bless.

Kirk Roberts

May 9, 2012

Gordon was truely one of my best friends in Jr. High and High School. Even though we lost touch over the years, I feel a great loss in my heart. When I think of Gordon, I remember all the lunches the gang spent at his house in Jr. High, Going to Washington DC, and playing "Ventura Highway" on guitar..I will miss you my friend

Cheri McDonald Beasley

May 9, 2012

So sorry to hear about Gordon - was a schoolmate from Jr high through high school - sang with him at Hoover in choir and Madrigals. Truly loved his laugh and his wonderful personality. His love for God was real even back then, so I know he's happy and healthy in the arms of Jesus!

Susan (Hollender) Knudson

May 9, 2012

My condolences to Gordon's family, I will always remember the joy Gordon saw in life and the great laughter he shared with everyone around him.

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