Gordon Gray Wilson

Born in Bothell in the summer of 1935, he was the youngest son of Chet and Blanche Wilson with an older brother, Boyd Wilson. Gordon attended Bothell High School (now the site of McMenamins) where he enjoyed playing baseball, was the school newspaper photographer, and made lifelong friends. After graduating in 1953, he attended Everett Community College where he continued his baseball career. He then transferred to Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, where he received his degree in Education. Soon after graduating, Gordon moved to Tokyo, Japan, to teach as a civilian on the U.S. Military base. While in Japan, he traveled extensively and climbed Mount Fuji, twice. He enjoyed his time there as he often regaled stories from this part of his life.

In Japan he met and married Judith Vanderhyde, who was also a teacher on the same military base. They transferred to Germany with the military where they had their first child, Dana, in March of 1966. After a short visit to the east coast, they moved back to the states and settled in Bothell. Gordon took a teaching job in the Northshore School District where he would teach for more than 30 years at various elementaries including Kenmore, Shelton View, and Woodin.

Once re-established in Bothell, they had two more children, Randall and Krista. Gordon was active in coaching Little League baseball and softball as well as umpiring behind the plate for years after. He was well known throughout the school district, the community, and the neighborhood, as a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humor, always willing to engage folks in conversation.

Later in life, he married for a second time to Wynne Estes. She brought her two children, Jenni and Jason, melding an amazing family. Together, they were the consummate hosts opening their home to many craft nights, family gatherings, holiday events, and parties. They created a fabulous life with a home full of love that included a beautiful yard and an expansive garden. They shared an unwavering adoration and commitment to each other and a joy for travel. They enjoyed cruises with best friends Ralph and Martha Leiser, destination trips with many close friends (including a month long stay in Italy), socializing, and entertaining. Gordy spent so many cherished moments with Wynne.

Gordon is a person who gave himself to each person he met, who enjoyed sharing friendship and small kindnesses with many people every day. He had a contagious dry sense of humor. He loved starting his mornings whistling along to KOMO radio hits and enjoying his much-loved cup of coffee with Paul Harvey’s, “The rest of the story”. He was passionate about the outdoors, hiking, camping, and sports, as well as cooking, entertaining, and of course his family. He was an expert Jeopardy player and loved a solid game of cribbage or pinocle.

Gordon was able to visit with immediate and extended family members in his last weeks. He is survived by his son Dana (daughter-in-law Jill, grandchildren: Maddy, Liam, Abby, Quinn), stepdaughter Jenni (stepson-in-law Rob), stepson Jason, son Randall (daughter-in-law Toni, grandsons: Cris and Nick), and daughter Krista (son-in-law Steve, grandchildren: Mercer, Halle and Kemper). A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.