Bernard "Bernie" Benjamin Gordon

Bernard "Bernie" Benjamin Gordon, beloved husband of Barbara Gordon, father of Laura Gordon (deceased) and Steve Gordon, grandfather of Allie Spicknall and Sam Gordon, brother of Matelle and Larry (deceased) Goldstein, and uncle of Julie Goldstein and Jon (Joanne) Goldstein, passed away peacefully at home on December 11th.

Born in Peking, China in 1938, Bernie emigrated with his parents Mirra and Boris, and his sister to Washington, DC shortly after birth. In 1946, they moved to San Francisco where he enjoyed an idyllic youth, and subsequently to Bellevue, Washington in 1971 to manage the Bellevue location of Jafco. Soon thereafter he became responsible for Washington and Oregon.

Bernie, a longtime successful businessman, co-founded Pacific Linen in 1985 adding over 50 stores to the portfolio. A businessman at heart with many interests, Bernie then co-founded Bernie's Bagels in 1994, which grew to over 20 locations and became the prominent authentic fresh bagel option in the greater Puget Sound and Oregon markets.

Bernie approached business with empathy and candor always valuing the power of kindness and relationships.

As an avid racquetball player, weightlifter, and world traveler, Bernie found his greatest joy in life was meeting new people. A networker extraordinaire, no one could work a room like Bernie. Universally loved at the coffee shop, Bernie was a staple at morning coffee for over 20 years.

He married his beautiful wife Bobbie in 1957, both 18 years old and with a clear zeal for life, they would be celebrating 68 years of marriage next month.

Bernie was an incredibly kind, passionate, and tenacious man who wanted nothing more than for his family to live a purposeful life and for others around him to feel taken care of. He succeeded on all fronts. He will be immeasurably missed as a one-of-a-kind man who has set the bar on how to be your kindest and most authentic self.

If you wish to honor Bernie's memory, please make donations to a charity of your choice.