Gordon Lee Van De Vanter

Gordon Lee Van De Vanter Gordon Lee Van De Vanter, born in Baker City, Oregon April 30, 1921, died peacefully Friday, September 29, 2017, in Atascadero, California at the age of 96. He was preceded in death by his son, Edward at age 7 in 1956; and his first wife, Carol. Gordon is survived by his wife of 38 years, Elaine Van De Vanter; sons: Michael (Karen), Robert (Peggy), and James (Francine); as well as grandchildren: Alex, Rebecca, Drew, Daniel, Garth, Justin, and John. He is also survived by nieces and nephews who dearly loved "Uncle Buck." Gordon was born into an extended family of lumbermen in the Pacific Northwest, where he worked during his early years. After adventures mining and fishing in southeast Alaska, he trained as a pilot and served in the Pacific Fleet as an "Aerographer" (weatherman) during WWII. He was honorably discharged in December 1945, with the rank of U.S. Navy 1st Class Petty officer. On September 4, 1943, he married Carol Brumbaugh, mother of his four sons. He returned to logging after the war, working as a "cat skinner" (bulldozer operator) until he enrolled in the School of Agriculture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and graduated in 1953. Gordon was a commercial vegetable grower in the Arroyo Grande valley for a number of years, after which he returned to Cal Poly as faculty in the Department of Crop Science. During his 25 years as a professor who also possessed a great deal of practical experience, he mentored students who pioneered modern farming techniques around California and beyond. He was known for maintaining personal relationships with people in the industry, and more than once traveled to Central America to introduce those techniques. Gordon loved fly fishing, especially on his favorite rivers the Klickitat (Washington) and Deschutes (Oregon). He enjoyed tying his own flies and was generous in giving them away. His best fishing buddy was brother-in-law, Stanley Crocker of Centerville, Washington. In later years Gordon organized fishing trips to Madras, Oregon with Stan to teach Mike, Bob, and Jim to fish and tell adventurous stories, joined by new fishing buddy Paul Kube. In later life he enjoyed crossword puzzles and kept a library of reference books close at hand. He did them all in pen. Another great joy for Gordon was to barbecue for the family. He did a great job teaching his sons how to cook Santa Maria tri tip over an oak fire, and they, in turn, are teaching their children this fine tradition. Burial, with military honor guard, will be at 11:00 am, Friday, October 13, 2017, at the Arroyo Grande Cemetery. Gordon's Life will be Celebrated at 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 14th, with a Memorial Barbecue at Atascadero Lake Park. An email in advance to memorial@vandevanter.net would help estimate attendance but is not required. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Central Coast Hospice in memory of Gordon would be appreciated. Gordon's family is grateful for their tender care. Central Coast Hospice, 253 Granada, Suite D, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries