Just before dawn on the morning of May 10, 2017, Gordon went to be with his Lord while in the arms of his beloved wife Kay of 46 years. He was born in Waipio Valley on the Big Island in 1933, the youngest of 5 children. The family moved to Hilo in 1941 when Hiilawe Falls flooded the entire Valley. He attended Hilo Union School, then Father Bray from Iolani High School in Honolulu came to Hilo to observe him and offered him a scholarship to play football as well as the advantage of a private school education. He was fortunate enough to live with Father Bray during high school. After graduating from Iolani (class of '52), he went to the Mainland, graduating in physical education from Willamette University in Oregon, later earning his masters from the University of Hawaii. He served in Korea during the Korean War and returned to Hawaii to work. He taught and coached at Hilo High School, Iolani, and retired from Castle High School as a Career Guidance teacher. In 1971 he married Kay, the love of his life, in Vienna, Austria. They enjoyed life together and traveled extensively. There was no bucket list. He will be remembered for his quick, contagious smile and generous heart, his sense of humor, and his love of sports, especially football. He loved the Lord and with Kay served well over 40 years at Hawaii Kai Church. Gordon touched many lives and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his devoted wife Kay; Sister Pearl Chong; Brother Delbert Chang; Nieces Sau Lin Kumasaki (Ken); Shirleen Rayoan (Leroy); Jean Okamura (Cleve); Shiela Ogawa (Keith); Sharon Hirota (Donn); Sandy Rosario (Darren); Nephews Gilbert Chang (Okyo); Jerry Chang; John Chong; Sister-in-Law Nan Blissett (Mark Mabee). Celebration of Life service will be Sunday, June 4, at Hawaii Kai Church, 265 Lunalilo Home Rd.; Visitation at 3:00 pm with Service at 4:00 pm. Burial will be the following day Monday, June 5, at 10:00 am in Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe. Charitable donations may be made to Hawaii Kai Church Early Learning Center.
Just before dawn on the morning of May 10, 2017, Gordon went to be with his Lord while in the arms of his beloved wife Kay of 46 years. He was born in Waipio Valley on the Big Island in 1933, the youngest of 5 children. The family moved to Hilo in 1941 when Hiilawe Falls flooded the entire Valley. He attended Hilo Union School, then Father Bray from Iolani High School in Honolulu came to Hilo to observe him and offered him a scholarship to play football as well as the advantage of a private school education. He was fortunate enough to live with Father Bray during high school. After graduating from Iolani (class of '52), he went to the Mainland, graduating in physical education from Willamette University in Oregon, later earning his masters from the University of Hawaii. He served in Korea during the Korean War and returned to Hawaii to work. He taught and coached at Hilo High School, Iolani, and retired from Castle High School as a Career Guidance teacher. In 1971 he married Kay, the love of his life, in Vienna, Austria. They enjoyed life together and traveled extensively. There was no bucket list. He will be remembered for his quick, contagious smile and generous heart, his sense of humor, and his love of sports, especially football. He loved the Lord and with Kay served well over 40 years at Hawaii Kai Church. Gordon touched many lives and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his devoted wife Kay; Sister Pearl Chong; Brother Delbert Chang; Nieces Sau Lin Kumasaki (Ken); Shirleen Rayoan (Leroy); Jean Okamura (Cleve); Shiela Ogawa (Keith); Sharon Hirota (Donn); Sandy Rosario (Darren); Nephews Gilbert Chang (Okyo); Jerry Chang; John Chong; Sister-in-Law Nan Blissett (Mark Mabee). Celebration of Life service will be Sunday, June 4, at Hawaii Kai Church, 265 Lunalilo Home Rd.; Visitation at 3:00 pm with Service at 4:00 pm. Burial will be the following day Monday, June 5, at 10:00 am in Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe. Charitable donations may be made to Hawaii Kai Church Early Learning Center.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
