Gordon Wilkison

The Lord called Gordon Wilkison home Wednesday evening the 30th of January at the age of 82. Those who love him know he is celebrating now, with the love of his life, wife Scottie, who died over a year ago. Gordon's footsteps are not easily replaced. In the early days of Austin television, he was one of a handful of people who pioneered into the new media, capturing pictures that would eventually end up in film archives. He covered the presidential campaign of John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. He also risked his life to shoot the film that so often reminds us, a sniper climbed the U.T. tower and took lives. Search "Gordon Wilkison" at http://www.texasarchive.org.

Gordon was among a few called by the Johnson family to help them process and edit film for the world to see and learn who Lyndon Johnson was, a day after a sniper killed President Kennedy. Under the LBJ Corporation, he was General Manager of Photo Processors, which later became independent as Cinetex Film Labs. "Wilk" as he was known to his T.V. friends, processed all kinds of film, but most notably he shot, edited and processed game film for UT football for nearly 30 years.

Gordon was generous with his time and support. In the 1970's when Zachary Scott Theater was about to close its doors, fellow board members credit him with helping create a guild that would sustain ongoing donations for the theater. Friends also say as Chairman of the Board at Zachary Scott he practically fed every starving actor, with dinner at the Night Hawk. Gordon and Scottie's cast and after parties were legendary as well.

He was a member of the Paramount Theater Board from the early days of its restoration to the mid 2000's. In that time, the theater grew in popularity to become the stage it is today, and to see actors paid scale wages for their work. Upon his retirement, the marquee read: "Thank you Gordon Wilkison".

Those who love him too, thank him for the laughter he gave us and the kindness he spread. His sayings were one of a kind, and in many ways, so was he.

Gordon is survived by his children, Garry Wilkison and wife Angie; Karen Batson and husband Mark; two grandchildren: Graham Wilkison and Ciara Wilkison; two sisters: Zella Shugart and Margaret Stewart and husband Doug; and many nephews who loved him. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Scottie; daughter, Janis; and father and mother Herbert M. and Hallie Mae Wilkison.

Visitation is Friday, February 8th, from 6 to 8 pm at All Saints Episcopal Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 9th, at 5 pm, also at All Saints Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to the Paramount Theater, or All Saint's Episcopal Church, Austin, Rectory's Discretionary Fund.