Kirby Gordon
1949 - 2022
Kirby Gordon
1949 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
Kirby Gordon Obituary
March 25, 1949 - October 6, 2022
San Luis Obispo, California - Kirby Gordon recently passed with his loving family around him.
He graduated from Saint Anthony High School in Long Beach, CA with a 4.0 GPA, Class of 1967. He was class President, President of the Letterman's Society, President of the National Honor Society, two time All Catholic League and All City in basketball. After Saint Anthony High School he attended Long Beach City College where he was All Metropolitan Conference, he was awarded Fraternity Council for highest GPA, and President of Student Forums. He was co-captain of the basketball team with good friend Jon Borchert. He was Bank of America Regional Man of the Year, state finalist.
After attending Long Beach City College he went to UC Riverside where he made First Team All American and was then named Co-Captain of the team. He was granted the Chancellor's Award of Excellence. He was designated outstanding graduate in 1971 for UC Riverside. He was a Ronald Loveridge Scholar recipient for Washington D.C. Kirby was admitted to UC Davis law school and graduated in 1973. Mr. Gordon had a distinguished career in Law and as a Real Estate Broker and Developer in Pismo Beach since 1974. Kirby Served with the Long Beach Lifeguard for 50 years. He was inducted into the Long Beach Lifeguard Hall of Fame. His legacy will be remembered for his long service with the Kirby Taplin Relay that continues today.
As a lifetime ocean and distance swimmer, one of his best accomplishments was swimming Alcatraz, with no wetsuit, for his 60th birthday. He leaves behind his spouse and business partner Margaret O'Hara Gordon. Three children; Stephanie Gordon, Devin Gordon & Haley Gordon Grant, one step daughter, Deena Erpenbach, his sister, Laurie Wallach-Projansky and two nephews Dylan and Andrew Projansky.
As a Real Estate Attorney and Broker, Kirby started his business, Gordon Properties, in 1974 in Pismo Beach. Kirby was more widely known for making a difference in many people's lives as he always tried to help people with much love and compassion.
Kirby went on after college and during his career to serve at the Mission and San Luis Obispo High School as an Assistant Basketball Coach.
Kirby leaves behind many dear and close friends and colleagues.
A Visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 from 12pm-2-pm, followed by a Vigil from 2pm-3pm at Reis Family Mortuary and a Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022 at 10:00 am at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pismo Bob
December 11, 2023
Kirby,
I think about you everyday! Your selflessness in caring & helping people become the best version of themselves is just a small fraction of your loving connection to so many individuals you touched.
Life today is indeed more difficult without you in so many ways...your love, wisdom, generosity, kindness, acceptance, community & friendship.
To say your presence was profound wouldn't be enough. What more can I say, but thank you & you're ALWAYS with me.
Greg Boege
November 10, 2022
In my early twenties I worked for 6 years as a Seal Beach lifeguard... mostly on our 5160 rescue boat, and somewhere along the line I met Kirby Gordon. He was an "older beach guard" for Long Beach and there was something special about him that locked him in my memory. So when I ran into him on the Central Coast thirty years later, we bonded. He was a waterman with a huge heart that loved the ocean and life next to it. We"d see one another usually by a body of water over the years where we would exchange extravagant rescue tales, embellish on the ocean personalities we´d come to know, catch up on family, and ultimately discuss an upcoming requalifcation swim for the guard department that was ahead of him. Lots of mutual respect for lives led and much gratitude for my great fortune in coming to know him. Kirby Gordon was a wonderful human and I will truly miss him. .
Henry W. Torres
October 17, 2022
As a fellow Realtor, I knew Kirby quite well. He was very fair in all our transactions.
My condolences to all of his family and friends.
Henry W. Torres
Rochelle C Scaglione-Orr
October 15, 2022
My deepest condolences and prayers. Kirby will be missed.
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George Barfield
October 15, 2022
I was a Long Beach Lifeguard from the late 60's to the early 70's and had the pleasure to work with Kirby.
He might have been one the most "Interesting Men in the World" I ever knew. He kept things light and fun.
He was definitely one of the "Good Guy's"
George Barfield LBLG/LBFD
Andy and Denise
October 14, 2022
Margaret, sending our love and prayers. We consider it an honor to have met Kirby and grateful for the advice he provided.
Jerry Lenthall
October 13, 2022
Played basketball against Kirby for many years in the SLO City over forty recreational league.
He was always very competitive and a tough rebounder.
His team usually won the SLO
City recreational trophy.
Outstanding memories of a
great friend.
Austin Dylan Quick
October 13, 2022
Kirby's connection to the UCR Men's basketball team was an important part of our program. As an alum, Kirby would take the time to visit with the coaches and inspire players during our road trip from Riverside to San Luis Obispo. Seeing Kirby in the locker room after a Riverside victory is a memory I will cherish.
Claire Vollmer
October 12, 2022
So sorry to hear this news....many years of interactions with Kirby through the real estate business. Just last week, we took a walk through Rodeo Court and thought of him. Rest peacefully Kirby...
Barbara Garcia, Modern Broker
October 12, 2022
My prayers for the Family and Friends of Mr. Gordon.
Janet Davis
October 11, 2022
I worked with Kirby as a Long Beach Lifeguard for 23 years. He was very dedicated, well liked and I believe the longest serving Long Beach Lifeguard to date.
He was a pleasure to work with and a good friend.
Ed Kesselhon
October 11, 2022
He was a person who never was one to brag of his accomplishments. His legacy was one to admire. God Bless.
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991 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
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