Born July 23, 1946 in Lansing, Michigan to Ralph and Mae Tigchelaar.
When Gordon was 5 the family moved to Southern California.
At age 9 Gordon had the good fortune of going to Disneyland the day before it officially opened to the public (his mother worked at Disney Studios and their family was among the invited guests).
Gordon joined the United States Navy at age 17 during the Vietnam War.
Gordon married Katherine in 1983 and they had 3 children together. As a father, Gordon was always present. He went to every open house, performance, and sporting event that the kids were in. He also coached their softball, baseball and soccer teams. He continued as a proud grandfather attending the events of his grandchildren.
Gordon was a commercial printer by trade. He was a perfectionist in his work. He drove his wife nuts when he would critique the print job of every menu when they went out for dinner.
Gordon retired after being diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2014. The mesothelioma was a result his time in the service when there was fire on the USS Oriskany, in 1966.
The family was able to spend one last Christmas together and they are thankful for that time.
Gordon died peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2019.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 36 years, Katherine, his children, Marie Tigchelaar Wise (Scott), Matthew Tigchelaar, Mitchell Tigchelaar, Kendra Cassidy (Leonard) and his grandchildren, Tessa Wise, Sutton Wise, Sully Wise, Spencer Wise and Patrick Cassidy.
