Gordon Leavitt

Edward Gordon (“Gordon”) Leavitt, of Yakima, WA, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. He was 92 years old.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:10

Gordon loved Jesus from a very young age and never wavered in his devotion. His faith shaped how he lived every day of his life—with gratitude, humility, kindness, song, and prayer. He worked hard to build and rebuild in school and work, yet attributed all of his achievements to the grace of God.

The youngest of five children, Gordon was born in Newberg, OR, on March 20, 1933, to parents Teddy Wyatt and Esther Matilda Clare (Grimmels) Leavitt. He grew up in Thorpe, WA. He earned his master’s degree in music from Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., and it was on that campus he met his wife, Doris A. (Ireland) Leavitt. They moved together to Boston, MA, where Gordon served in the Army. He then held professor positions in Boston, MA, Knoxville, TN, and Ellensburg, WA. They moved to Yakima, WA, shortly after Gordon changed careers from teaching music to building a business and educating his clients in insurance and financial services. Gordon and Doris were married for 65 years and raised three children.

Gordon is often remembered for his rich tenor voice. He sang with the choirs he directed, on stage, in church, at home, and sometimes right in the middle of a conversation.

He is also remembered for how he loved people and was genuinely curious about their lives. He was thought of as a “father figure” to the soccer teams he coached, a mentor to the employees he led, “like a brother” to those he shared fellowship with, and a “great teacher” to his music students. He loved to travel and experienced the world through European choir tours, Cispus music camp, Farmers Insurance award getaways, and trips he and Doris enjoyed after retirement.

Gordon was devoted to Jesus, to his beloved wife, Doris, and to his family. He is survived by his brother, Dale Leavitt; his children, Lisa Leavitt (Eric) Moore, Lori Michele Leavitt, and Wayne G. Leavitt; and his six grandchildren.

Always positive, often singing, life-loving, generous, gentle, and humble, he made others laugh and feel cared for. Gordon spent his life quietly supporting, encouraging, and celebrating those around him. He was active and loved to walk and golf. He gave generously to his church and charities.

An intimate graveside service with family at Terrace Heights Memorial Park and Cemetery will be held in Yakima, WA.

Condolences may be left in the guestbook for E. Gordon Leavitt at keithandkeith.com.