Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
05/26/1950
DIED
03/05/2026
Geoffrey Gordon Obituary
Dr. Gordon was recognized as a leader in the area of physician-patient communications. Geoff was also a whimsical and accomplished musician who could play many instruments but mostly loved the organ, piano, guitar, and banjo.
Geoff is survived by his wife Pat Gordon; their children, James Gordon, Colleen DaRos, and spouse Louis DaRos; four grandchildren; and sister, Judy Stewart.
A celebration of life and memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13755 SW Walker Road in Beaverton. Rosary service begins at 10:15 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the OHSU Center for Ethics in Health Care (https://give.ohsufoundation.org/?pid=ethics)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Geoffrey Gordon
Sponsored by The Family.
John F Christensen
March 17, 2026
I was saddened to hear recently of Geoff´s passing, and my heart goes out to Pat and the rest of Geoff´s family. May gratitude for the wonderful gift of his life sustain us as we endure his loss. I had the privilege to work with Geoff over many years in programs to enhance healthcare communication and to promote the well-being of health professionals. One treasured collaboration was retreats and programs through the Foundation for Medical Excellence to promote the well-being of resident physicians at OHSU. I remember one weekend retreat with the Ob/Gyn residents involving a rafting trip on the Deschutes and campfire reflections in the evening. Geoff was especially insightful and provocative in the questions he posed, and his facilitation skills accessed the depth and humanity in the group. As a colleague and friend, Geoff was warm, steadfast, and a great listener-all seasoned with a sense of humor. I´m deeply grateful for the opportunity to journey with him.
Lenore Fines MD
March 13, 2026
I first met Geoff when I was a primary care physician at the Portland VA in the early 2000´s. I learned that he had a " Complex Conditions Clinic" which was dedicated to taking care of patients who not only had complex medical problems, but who also had behavioral challenges. This clinic was a much needed and appreciated service to Primary Care. At times Geoff shared my office and I always enjoyed our conversations. His communication skills were legendary. I often felt like he was a "saint" for the service he provided for both patients and referring clinicians. He was a kind and gentle person and will always live in my heart. My sincerest condolences and sympathy; may your memories bring you comfort at this sorrowful time,
Lenore Fines MD
david.a.nardone
March 11, 2026
As clinician and researcher Geoff was at the forefront of the discipline of communication between the patient and the physician and its attendant education of graduate and undergraduate medical and nursing trainees. Similarly, his research also focused on interventions for anxious clinicians and troubled patients navigating complex impersonal health care systems. This led to outcomes advantageous for the patients and staff, and ultimately for the institution. What could have ended in animosity and conflict resulted in mutual respect and shared expectations. Geoff was truly a disciple of Rochester´s George Engel. His publications chronicle these activities. Personally and professionally I valued the many years of our friendship. Always affable, always helpful, always approachable. I will miss our luncheon outings, telling stories, some spot on in terms of veracity, and others perhaps embellished (by me). My sincerest condolences to Pat and family.
How you can show support
Marilynn Hickam
March 11, 2026
I first met Geoff and his wife Pat in the mid-1980's. They had recently moved to Portland from southern California, and Geoff worked at the VA Hospital with my husband. I immediately liked them both, not only because we all had California roots but also because Geoff and Pat were so kind. Geoff was full of empathy and demonstrable love for his family. He always spoke fondly about his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a loyal friend and a true family man. I will miss him very much.
David Hickam
March 11, 2026
I first met Geoff in 1983 when he was working as a physician at the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, California. I had recently started a position at the Portland VA Hospital. Geoff and I found that we had a lot in common. We were the same age and had both recently completed fellowship training following our internal medicine residencies. About a year after I first met him, Geoff moved to Portland and joined our general internal medicine group at the Portland VA. Geoff took on the full scope of our group´s activities. He saw patients in the general medicine clinic, taught residents in the clinic, supervised residents in our walk-in clinic, and served as an attending physician on the inpatient service. Geoff also built a unique niche, in that he was keenly interested in how the interactions between patients and physicians could be improved. He had joined a national group called the Task Force on the Medical Interview. Geoff provided leadership in the Task Force in pursuing its mission to develop effective methods for teaching physicians how to communicate better.
In the late 1980´s I worked closely with Geoff on a research project to teach residents communication skills and then measure whether our training program actually improved their skills. Geoff also worked on projects to assess the effect of training experiences on the psychological status of trainees. This was early work that led to the concept of burnout among physicians. Geoff was also a clinical innovator. He started a "complex conditions clinic" at the VA that managed patients who had challenging physical and psychological problems. As well as helping hundreds of patients, the clinic helped physicians to develop new skills for managing this challenging group of patients.
Some of my best memories of Geoff are from summer backpacking trips. Neither of us had done much backpacking in the past, but Geoff was eager to take it on. We took several magnificent hikes in the high country of the Oregon and Washington Cascades. Geoff always reminded me to stop for a few minutes to take in the scenery. Geoff also had many other skills. He was an accomplished musician, and I spent many enjoyable evenings listening to Geoff play the piano and organ.
In the 1990´s Geoff and his family moved to Connecticut, where Geoff took on a leadership position at the Bayer Institute for Health Care Communication. This new job allowed Geoff more intensely to pursue innovative training programs for physicians, and it expanded Geoff´s national stature. In the 2000´s Geoff and his family returned to Portland, and Geoff joined the OHSU Center for Ethics in Health Care. He then decided to re-direct his clinical interests by pursuing a palliative care fellowship at OHSU. After finishing the fellowship he joined Northwest Kaiser Permanente, where he provided leadership in new clinical initiatives there.
After retiring from Kaiser Geoff and his wife Pat led an active life in Beaverton, and my wife and I enjoyed many delightful meals with them. Geoff always remained a cheerful man, with love for his family and friends. I will miss him.
Barbie Rice
March 11, 2026
I spent several years with Geoff, as we did role plays on " Giving Bad News to Patients and Families. Having all those teaching moments with Geoff will always be carried around with me as I travel this journey called "Life." My prayers for Geoff and his family are many.
Barbie Rice
Patrick Dunn and Constance Rosson
March 10, 2026
Last evening, we learned from our friend, neighbor and mentor David Nardone, that Geoff had passed away from a long illness. Our hearts go out to you and family with this profound loss. We understand that the memorial is planned the late morning of March 12th at the Holy Trinity Church in Beaverton. Unfortunately, we will be unable to participate in the gathering due to other commitments. Our thoughts though will be with you and the family.
Even so, David suggested that you welcomed reflections about Geoff, his professional accomplishments and his personal nature. Many years ago, Pat worked with Geoff on several projects that focused on enhancing professional communication skills, behavioral medicine and caring for patients and families at the end of life. Connie was a colleague also with Geoff while working on the hill, and remembers his gentle way with people, always respectful. One always felt listened to deeply by Geoff, regardless of other pressing needs. We both remember Geoff as the model of the ideal colleague; committed, creative, and above all kind. No task was too burdensome. Geoff accepted things as they were, and then worked hard to make things better-one step at a time.
Geoff´s passing is a great sadness and a great loss not only to his family, but also to our medical care community. He will be sorely missed. We wish you and family comfort in this difficult time.
Sincerely, Pat Dunn and Connie Rosson
Patrick Dunn M. D. and Constance Rosson M.D.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Geoffrey Gordon's name
Memorial Events
for Geoffrey Gordon
People and places connected with Geoffrey
Portland, OR
The Oregonian
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Geoffrey's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Geoffrey Gordon's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored