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David Gordon

1949 - 2014

David Gordon Obituary

David (Dave) W. Gordon

David (Dave) Gordon died on May 4, 2014 in Palo Alto, California. Dave was born on June 4, 1949 in Orange, California. He graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1967 and served in the US Army from 1968 to 1970. He obtained his B.A. from California State University at Chico in 1973. Dave earned his law degree from Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco where he was a member of the Thurston Society and the Order of the Coif.


Dave's many interests included gemstone faceting, participating in game shows (he was a Jeopardy Champion in 1993), history, gardening, cooking and training guide dogs. He enjoyed creating annual 4th of July fireworks displays while vacationing at Eagle Ridge, Illinois, and watching his son participate in youth sports and amateur golf tournaments.


Dave's kindliness, generosity, dignity, wisdom, moral compass and sense of humor will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Beth) Dolter of Menlo Park, California, son Andrew Gordon of Iowa City, Iowa and a sister. A private service will be held in the Bay Area.  A Memorial Service is scheduled for May 24 at the Church of the Resurrection in Dubuque, Iowa.  The family prefers that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Canine Companions, www.cci.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 8 to May 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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David Gordon

June 19, 2014

David you will be greatly missed by family, friends and co- workers. I have very fond memories of our family gatherings. One really stands out in my memory of you and that was playing a game called Apples to Apples. We had many laughs and a great time. There were many more as you were a great person and I feel honored to have known you and will always remember you as being a fun and loving person. I'm glad your not in pain anymore and say hi to Paul for me. I loved you and sorry we didn't get to see Duran Duran together with Tosha. You will never be forgotten. With Love, Pat Miller

George Gutierrez

June 5, 2014

Beth and Family, My sincere and heartfelt condolences for the loss of David. It was my pleasure to have been his barber for the past decades and it was always a pleasure to see him and hear of how close he was to you, Beth and how proud he was of his son. As he became ill, he was strong and never complained. I enjoyed hearing about his golf game, his trips to see his sisters in law and his love of making his yearly trek to make Mexican food there. He was very proud of his gem work and my wife enjoys two of his pieces. He will surely be missed at The Golden Shears. Peace and Serenity. George.

Peggy Gordon

June 4, 2014

I am deeply saddened to learn of David's death on today his birthday. He was the "best of the best" and always my good friend. My heartfelt sympathy to David's family.

Scott Haley

May 23, 2014

I remember Dave well. We ran track together at Willard Jr. High. We also played drums for a while with the Orange County Bagpipe Band, along with Doug Causey (piper). One day the 3 of us donned our kilts and went to Disneyland, just for something different to do. While listening to a folk duo on Main Street, the banjo player broke a string. Dave walked up to him, and without saying a word, pulled a banjo string from his shirt pocket, handed it over, and walked back grinning. It was hilarious, and got a round of applause. Yes, condolences to the family, because Dave will be missed. He was one of the good guys .--Scott Haley, (Keizer, OR & SAHS class of '67--

Bob Drown

May 22, 2014

I had the pleasure of singing with Dave in high school. We both sang bass. I'll always remember his smile and sense of humor. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and he encouraged that same pride in me. I'll miss him.

Nancy Kuhn Stoll

May 21, 2014

I knew David since grade school through high school. Even at Wilson school he was kind, and smart with a sense of humor for sure. I miss knowing that a happy part of our past is gone. I remember him very fondly.

Angelina

May 12, 2014

Beth and family, my deepest condolence to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Angelina

Hobart Birmingham

May 9, 2014

From an old partner, please accept my sympathy and condolences. I will always remember Dave in his office at Bronson peering out from stacks of books, pondering complex legal questions, with unique insights and intelligence - and often wry humor. We will all miss him. Hobey

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