Fern Margaret Gordon

In 1935 the family farmhouse burned to the ground from a chimney fire. They lived in the schoolhouse while another house was moved onto the site. Fern cared for the younger children during the day. She prepared dinner (lunch) and took it to the farm every day while it was rebuilt.

After finishing the eighth grade, Fern moved to the home of Dr. Fitzgerald, a dentist in Mason City, Iowa, as a live-in household employee. She learned many valuable skills during this time and became an excellent homemaker. Fern loved interior decoration, using her artistic talents to create a beautiful home for her family wherever they were.

After WWII began, Lockheed sent recruiters across the country. Her older brother Wayne accepted a job and moved to California. Later in 1942 his wife Kathleen joined him. Fern and their mutual friend Marcella Larson accompanied Kathleen on the car trip to California for the cost of $15 for gasoline.

Fern also went to work for Lockheed, eventually meeting her future husband James M Gordon on a blind date with friends Jimmy and Helen Payne. Going to see the big bands like Glenn Miller and the Dorsey’s in Hollywood was a favorite dating activity. They married in 1943 and lived in Hollywood until purchasing a home in Sun Valley not far from Lockheed. Daughter Jan was born a few years later followed by Tari, their only children. In the early 50’s they moved to Reseda, CA.

“Butch” as he was nicknamed worked several years as an auto mechanic after the war. In 1949 they learned about Nutrilite food supplements and became distributors. They built their business over the years, continuing after the company was purchased by Amway. Butch died in 1972. Fern successfully continued the business until she sold it and retired in the early 80’s. She moved to the Everett area where many family members had relocated.

Jan married in 1964, had one son Todd, married again in 1973, had a second son Toby, and one granddaughter Kat from her oldest son Todd. Tari married and remained in California.

Fern passed away November 2, 2013, at Bethany at Silver Lake in Everett, WA. She will be missed by all her family and many friends, old and new.