Douglas Gordon

Douglas Arthur Gordon

1936 - 2025

Douglas Arthur Gordon (1936 - 2025) was the 11th of 12 children born to Mercedes Catherine (Flemming) and Charles Melvin Gordon of Detroit, Michigan. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17, earned his bachelor 's degree from Northwestern State University of Louisiana, and moved to Los Angeles, California. A job transfer sent him to Santa Maria, where he met the love of his life, Gloria. They were married in 1968, and over the next 56 ½ years, they raised two daughters, went on countless camping trips, spent quality time with family and friends, volunteered with community organizations, made a loving home for numerous pets, and enjoyed a 60-day cross-country RV adventure in which they visited 37 states and reunited with dozens of family members from coast to coast. In 1984, Doug moved his family to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. In his retirement, he enjoyed reading, woodworking, hosting family and friends, sharing stories, and taking in the beauty of the region.

Doug is preceded in death by parents Charles and Mercedes and siblings Virginia (Whalen), Dick, Shirley (Pate), Dolores (Kudwa), Barbara (Breight), Jim, Carol, Jerry, Marilyn (Miller), Charles, Jr., and Norm. He is survived by wife Gloria, daughters Rebecca and Robin, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends whom he cherished. Doug is remembered for being a gifted storyteller, skilled DIYer, generous soul, dear friend, favorite uncle, doting dog-grandpa, and loving husband and father. A service will be held at 10am, Saturday, June 14th at Santa Maria Cemetery.