John R. Gordon, M.D.
In Loving Memory
Dr. John (Jack) R. Gordon of Minneapolis died Friday, March 17, 2000, from complications associated with Alzheimer's Disease.
He died peacefully in the company of family members. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Colleen M. Gordon; his six children: Gregory,
Deborah Cooper & husband, Joel, Roderick & wife, Mary Jo, Cameron & friend, Sarah, Jonathon & wife Diana and Andrew & wife, Emily; nine grandchildren; and
one great grandchild. Before retiring in 1985, Dr. Gordon worked as a Full Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Minnesota. During his tenure he served as president of the Minnesota Society of Anesthesia and as a member of the American Board of Anesthesiology, Inc. He was held in high esteem by his students and colleagues. In addition to his professional work, Dr. Gordon was a poet, an avid historian, a philatelist, an ice hockey buff, a lover of classical and popular music and of Shakespearean and classical theater. Most notably he was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a steadfast friend to many. Dr. Gordon was also recognized and loved for his generosity, humility, affable social charm, and engaging sense of humor.
Born March 16, 1923, in Schreiber, Ontario, Canada, Gordon went on to serve as a flight navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. He served from 1942 to 1944 and was later honored as a war hero and decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross. After being shot down over enemy territory, he was credited with aiding fellow crew members in escaping their descending aircraft and he was held as a prisoner of war until the war ended in 1944.
Following military service he married Colleen M. Carroll of Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Ontario. He received a full scholarship to attend medical school at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and was president of his 1951 graduating class. Following graduation he came to do his residency in Anesthesia at the University of Minnesota and was asked to join the teaching faculty.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to: Alzheimer's Association, National Processing Center, P.O. Box 64423, St. Paul, MN 55164.
Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 10 AM at The Basilica of St. Mary, Hennepin Ave. at 16t St., Mpls. Visitation Monday 5-8 PM at Washburn-McReavy Strobeck Johnson Chapel, 1400 Mainstreet, Hopkins and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Interment Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis.
Washburn McReavy Strobeck Johnson Chapel 612-938-9020