Neil Jordan Obituary

Neil Lee Jordan

Retired SFPD Sgt. Inspector

Passed away Jan. 21st, 2014 at 83 years old.

He died peacefully in his home he built surrounded by his loving and adoring family.

Born the 5th of six children to Charles and Lessie Jordan in Albany IN.

Attended Balboa High School class of 1949 where he was a track star and Valedictorian. He attended UC Berkeley on a scholarship. He took his first job at Singer Sewing Machine in 1951.

He met his wife Eleanor swimming in the bay at Candlestick Cove. They married on Dec 23rd 1950 and began their family in 1951.

Worked SFPD 1953-1981. He was awarded many honors including Police Officer of the Year 1972 and a Citation for the Military Order of the Purple Heart in 1962.

In 1963 he finished the home he built with his two hands in San Rafael. He was so proud that he touched every piece of rock and dirt on the land.

After retirement, worked security at the SF Fairmont Hotel. His later years, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with friends and family. Family was his life – he adored
watching all of his children's lives unfold, including his grandchildren and their children.

Everyone that knew him, loved him so much. He loved Creekside Bakery in Novato and was so proud of his family who owned it. He was their biggest supporter and their biggest tipper.

He is survived by his 4 children, Scott, Steven, Jeffrey and Laurie (Sterner) and their spouses, Cindy, Gail and Michael Sterner, 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Also, his sister Nancy Erickson and sister in law Jacqueline Bauman. He was preceded in death by his 1st grandchild, Bethany.

He was a lover of Sees Candy, Mike n' Ikes, Ice Cream and Root Beer. His hobbies were building, remodeling, puttering around the house & hosing down the driveway. He was a detective at heart and kept detailed notes on every single thing he did every single day of his life.

A final note he wrote, read, "Leave a legacy of Love". That was his life. Everyone was blessed to have him in their lives.

Neil's wishes were for his ashes to be laid to rest
in San Francisco Bay alongside his wife, Eleanor's.

Those who knew and loved Neil are welcome to a celebration of Life held on Sat. Mar 22nd at Redwood Grove Picnic Area at Samuel P. Taylor State Park at 1pm. Please bring a lawn chair.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 15 to Feb. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Neil Jordan

3 Entries

Armida Rambke

February 19, 2014

My condolence to all of Neil's family. I knew and worked with Eleanor at the Bargain box. The were a wonderful couple.

Armida Rambke

Bill Krutt

February 19, 2014

Neil was THE finest person I have ever known. I've known Neil my entire life, and I lived in the in-law apartment downstairs from him these past ten years. I remember Neil, Eleanor, Scott, Steven, Jeff and Laurie from when they lived on Bocana Street and Lathrop Street in San Francisco. My dad would help Neil build this home back in 1962/1963 on a few occasions - as long as it didn't involve ladder work. I never heard Neil raise his voice, or say anything negative about anybody. In addition to adoring his family, he loved his dog "Winnie", and never missed an opportunity to spoil her rotten. He had the kindest, most generous heart of anybody I ever knew.
I love Neil every bit as much as I loved my own dad, and it was both an honor and pleasure. I learned two things from Neil. First; I learned
patience. Secondly; I learned to appreciate what are considered the small things. Whenever his family, his kids or grandkids or good friends would visit, his face would light up like a flood lamp. I considered Neil my "second dad." He had a legitimate photographic memory. He'd see something just once -- particularly numbers -- and he'd memorize them instantly. I never saw him cimmit plans to paper. It was all up in his head. We'd go shopping together, whether at Safeway or Costco, and he'd add the price of the items up (with tax) in his head like a calculator. Neil had a beautiful, kind and gentle heart. Neil used to love hosing down his driveway for hours at a time. I once asked him why he enjoyed it so much. His answer was "Thats my thinking time." Neil, you taught me so many wonderful things, Pops, and I will never, even for one single heartbeat forget you. Ever. So, for the last time, I'll say to you, Neil "I love you, Pops, and I'll see you around."

Sam Hamilton

February 16, 2014

Neil was one of the finest men I ever
worked with. He was an asset to the Burglary Detail and an excellent investigator. In addition he was a fine man and a great friend.

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