Gordon Karl Zenk

Gordon Karl Zenk

April 23, 1935 - January 16, 2025

Gordon K. Zenk, 89, died at home in Vancouver, Washington on the morning of January 16, 2025. His gentle spirit left us quietly and peacefully.

Gordon was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the second of four children born to Carl and Edith (Sabartinelli) Zenk. His two sisters, Patricia Vorel and Linda Huizing, preceded him in death.

Gordon is survived by his brother, David Zenk; three children: son Karl Zenk (Hope); daughter Victoria Cooper (Michael); son Paul Zenk (Amanda); five grandchildren: Lane, Errol, Ellesse, Roma, and Adam; and one great grandchild, Faye Daisy Zenk.

After graduating from Union High School in Grand Rapids, in 1953, Gordon went onto Michigan State University and graduated in 1957 with a B.A. in Political Science. After graduation he served in the US Army Corps before heading west to California. He attended the University of California Santa Barbara where he pursued an M.A. in Political Science. It was at UCSB where he met the love of his life, Carolynn Grace. They were married on February 1, 1964. Carolynn and Gordon were partners in life for 58 years until Carolynn's passing on January 9, 2022.

In California, Gordon was very involved in his community, helping to establish a member-run food co-op and incorporate Isla Vista into the city of Goleta, all while writing a dissertation for his doctorate degree in Political Science and raising three children. In 1976 he published his dissertation, Project Search, and received his PhD from UCSB.

After Gordon completed his PhD, the family moved from California to Portland, Oregon. There, Gordon worked extensively with governmental agencies and private companies as a systems analyst, and later completed his career in banking.

In his free time Gordon enjoyed sailing on the Columbia River and being an active racing member of the Vancouver Lake Sailing Club. Gordon and Carolynn loved to travel and saw many parts of the world together. He was an avid musician and sang in choirs throughout his life. He was always an active member of his church and believed that it was important to live his life in the service of others.

Gordon's kindness and spirit of generosity touched many lives. He will be forever loved and missed by all who had the opportunity to know him. A memorial celebrating Gordon's life will be held on March 12, 11:00 AM, at Cascades Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, Washington.

Throughout his life Gordon believed in supporting worthwhile socially responsible non-profit organizations. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider making a contribution to your favorite charity. Thank you.