Herbert C. Gordon

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Herbert C. Gordon. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Herbert was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Herbert was born on 244 Fellwood House in Savannah, Georgia. He was the son of Robert Gordon Sr. and Beatrice Gordon. Herbert was raised in New Jersey. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Herbert was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Herbert's personality throughout his life.

Though Herbert was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Herbert was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Herbert worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Herbert was raised with seven siblings. He had seven brothers, Robert Jr., Douglas, Joseph, Enoch, Curtis, Charles and Ernest. Herbert and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Herbert was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Herbert was always tactful. One thing Herbert will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Herbert had a number of interests and was an active child. Herbert took part in football, bowling, and weightlifting. He was an alter boy. In his spare time he liked to go bowling.

For Herbert, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Herbert was also adept at details. Herbert was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Central High School in New Jersey in 1962. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Thomas. Herbert excelled in football.

There was one thing that all of Herbert's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Herbert was such a popular person throughout his life. But Herbert was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Herbert was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Herbert was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Herbert was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Herbert was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Herbert made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Bobby D., John, Paulette, and Bob W. Later in life, he became friends with John Wilkens.

Herbert was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Herbert cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On November 3, 1964 Herbert married Shirley Ann Wright at Queen of Angels Church of Newark, New Jersey. Compassionate and devoted, Herbert worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Herbert and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Herbert was blessed with four children, four sons, Herby Jr., Anthony, Glen, and Marcus. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Ebony, Malik, Glen Jr., Malachi, Zhaire, Anthony Jr., Justin, Tyra Aries, Tyrell, and Ashley. Herbert was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Herbert was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Herbert would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Herbert, and he expected the same from those around him. Herbert was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Herbert was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Herbert handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was assembler at General Motors. He was employed for 36.2 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

A methodical man, Herbert enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were bowling and lifting weights.

Herbert was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Herbert was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Herbert played football. Recreational sports included bowling. Herbert also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were bowling, football, basketball, baseball, and golf.

Herbert was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. Politically, Herbert was a Democrat.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Herbert well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was of the Catholic faith. During that time, he was an alter boy. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

A generous and compassionate man, Herbert accomplished much during his lifetime. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Herbert was recognized and given awards for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included General Motors Corp Retirement, bowling, and football.

Not only did Herbert enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included going on cruise ships to Mexico, Jamaica, Hawaii, and travelling to California.

Herbert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Dog, who was a best friend for Two years.

Since it was easy for Herbert to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Herbert was ready when that day to retire finally came in January 1, 2000. His new life involved relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling and bowling. Even in retirement, Herbert stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Herbert passed away on November 7, 2019 at Centennial Hills Hospital. Herbert fougth a brave battle against diabetes. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons, Herbert Jr., Anthony, Glen, Marcus; grandchildren, Ebony, Glen Jr., Malik, Malachi, Zhaire, Anthony Jr., Justin, Tyra Aries, Tyrell Anthony, and Ashley; brothers, Ernest, Curtis, Charles, and Robert Jr.; brothers-in-law, Ed and Gilbert; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Robinson, Marcella Carter, and Joni Wright, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Services were held at Palm Northwest Mortuary. Herbert was laid to rest in Palm Northwest Cemetery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Herbert was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Herbert was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Herbert C. Gordon.