Stephen Gordon

Stephen O. Gordon, age 70, was called by God on Sunday, February 06, 2011. He died at home with his son and wife by his side having fought the good fight against liver cancer. Steve was born in Crockett, Texas, the son of Freda Marie Stewart Gordon and Oliver William Gordon. He grew up in Coldwater, Michigan graduating Salutorian from Coldwater High School in 1958. In 1967 he married Judith Lisk and they had two children, Gwendolyn and Matthew. They divorced, and Steve later married Judy Hallberg in March, 1985. Steve and Judy celebrated their 25th anniversary by renewing their vows and celebrating with many family and friends.

Steve began attending the University of Michigan in September, 1958. His college career was interrupted by his enlistment in the Marine Corp in 1961. He returned to school following his service and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in December, 1966. He began working at the University of Michigan in Personnel in 1967. He changed his career focus later and became a Hospital Administrator at UM Health System. During that time, he attended the UM School of Public Health and in May, 1981 received his Master’s degree in Health Services Administration. However, shortly thereafter he realized that hospital administration was not his calling. Steve had always had a love and talent for landscaping. In 1985 he started his own landscape design company called Optimal Outcomes. He was truly gifted when it came to designing and implementing beautiful outdoor places. He became a Master Gardener in 1986 and his home was on the Ann Arbor Garden Club Tour in 1998. His final job was the landscaping of his and Judy’s home in Superior Township where he created a short prairie grass and wildflower meadow.

Stephen loved physical activity and the outdoors. He was typically only inside to eat and sleep. He began golfing at the age of 11 by caddying at Coldwater Country Club. He belonged to Radrick Farms Golf Course, which he loved dearly, for over 40 years. Steve was an avid fisherman and spent many days on the rivers up north in Michigan and Canada, particularly the Manistee River with guide Mike Tilman. In addition, Steve was a great bowler, cross-country skier, runner, swimmer and mountain biker. Besides athletics, Steve’s talents included music , reading and writing. His writing skill will always be remembered through his annual Christmas letter, which many looked forward to receiving each year. Bluegrass music was his passion and he played the five-string banjo.

Steve will be remembered by all who knew him for his sometimes caustic, sometimes spicy, but always clever sense of humor. Stephen’s many friends and family will tell you he had a quick wit, loved to tell a joke and loved to tell stories even more and they were rarely short. If you knew Steve, you will not forget him as he had an uncanny way of making an impact in everyone’s life he came across. He loved many, was loved by many and will truly be missed.

Steve is survived by his wife, Judy Hallberg, son Matthew Gordon (Theresa), daughter Gwendolyn Gordon Farmer (Michael), grandchildren Clay, River and Brooke Gordon, and Lucas, Benjamin and Andrew Farmer. He is also survived by his brother Stewart Gordon, niece Leslie Gordon, and nephews Adam and Ian Gordon, as well as cousins Gail Stewart and Jane Watkins.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on February 26, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor (corner of State and William across from the diag). The Rev. Robert Livingston will be officiating. All are welcome to attend. Donations in Steve’s memory can be made to the Tree Fund, Mott Children’s Hospital and sent to Melissa Dyer, Mott Administration, Room NI4D19, 300 N. Ingalls St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5475. Donations can also be made to UM Comprehensive Cancer Center where he received great care during his last year, or Arbor Hospice which provided great care during his last week.