Gordon Thomas Dole

2013Memorial Services and Mass will be held promptly at 10:30am,Tuesday, July 2nd at St.Francis Catholic Church for Gordon Dole, 73 of Bakersfield. Msgr. Craig Harrison will officiate the Mass and Memorial with Celebration of Life and lunch to follow at Stockdale Country Club. Graveside Services to be held on Thursday, July 4th at Shafter Memorial Park at 9:30am. Gordon was born in Woodland, CA on November 29th, 1939 to Grace and Henry Dole. Even from a young age,Gordon (“Tommy”, as he was called back then) loved all things mechanical from Erector sets to magnet powered motors. Gordon's life can be defined by three simple words: Father, Businessman and Friend. A born entrepreneur, he joined the military at 16, had a worm farm "venture" in Montana, and really got his 'start 'working in the trucking business in Northern California and helped build I-5. He eventually settled in Bakersfield, CA where he found his way into the Petroleum Industry through his innate intelligence, verve, and just a little bit of luck. A tough exterior and a 'man's man', he was also known for having a heart of gold. He has traveled much of the world including 28 cruises! Gordon had a love of airplanes and eagles and really anything that could fly; we believe he can too now. He is survived by his wife, Karen Dole; Daughter, Debbie Banducci; 2 Step-daughters, Bobi Sessions, Tiffany Shannon; 4 Grandchildren, Jaimie and Jeffrey Craig, Joshua Banducci, Connor Shannon; Great-granddaughter, Isabella; Sister, Robin and many beloved friends. Donations may be made to H.A.L.T. (Helping Animals Live Tomorrow; www.haltrescue.rescueme.org) or to a charity of choice.