Gordon Fraser Barr

Gordon graduated from Babson College in 1979. Following in his father’s footsteps, Gordon worked in the travel industry his whole life. He began working for Holland America Line Westours in 1977 as a tour escort in the Canadian Rockies and ultimately was appointed General Manager of Gray Line of Seattle in 1984 and promoted to Vice President for Holland America Line Westours, Transportation Division in 1990. In 2000, Gordon left Holland America Line to work for Greyhound Lines of North America as Senior Vice President of Greyhound Lines and President of Greyhound Travel Services based in Dallas, Texas and moved his family from Seattle to Frisco, Texas. In 2004, Gordon founded Shore to Sea Services LLC to provide shore excursions to cruise companies and purchased an existing cruise excursion business Port Promotions and Services providing shore excursions directly to cruise passengers.

During his incredible business career, Gordon contributed to the travel industry on a variety of boards and commissions including the Travel Industry of America, Washington Motorcoach Association, National Tour Foundation, Seattle King County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Gray Line Worldwide and the Frisco Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 47 years Ninette (Nina) Gratiot, daughters Michelle Beal and husband Josh of Celina, Texas and Christine McClung and husband Tyler of The Colony, Texas, and grandchildren Dallee, Emory and Jensen Beal. He is also survived by his two older brothers Bruce and Jeffrey, and many cousins and friends.

In retirement, Gordon spent his time in his garden and traveling with Nina. But his favorite activities were as “Pa”, making memories with his grandchildren, swimming, bike riding, Lego building and snuggling.

A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held in his backyard, as he would have wanted, burgers on the grill, shorts and sneakers, swimsuits and kids in the pool, raising a glass to toast his memory. A second celebration will be held in Rhode Island at his brother’s house. Details will be shared directly with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers or a gift to the family, you are encouraged to contribute to the North Texas Food Bank at Tribute Giving | North Texas Food Bank or to your local food bank, in honor of Gordon Barr.