Tracy Norton Gordon

With love in our hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Tracy Norton Gordon of Carmel Valley, California, in the comfort of his home in the early morning hours of September 14, 2023. Son Brit Gordon and daughter Katey (Gordon) Foster were able to be with him in his final hours, along with Tracy’s devoted caretaker Jonny, and his beloved dog Nica.

Tracy was born on September 26, 1944 to Britton Losey Gordon and Mary Norton Gordon in Washington D.C. His young life unfolded in East Grand Rapids, Michigan and he attended Culver Military Academy, graduating in 1963. Tracy attended college at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y, where he spent his weekends rockin-out as the lead singer of his college band, the Tsunamis. Some of Tracy’s favorite memories took place in Stowe, VT, playing gigs with his band after a day of skiing.

Tracy was a Captain in the U.S. Army and served as an intelligence officer with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division in Vietnam from 1969-1970; decorations included the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Air Medal among other military honors. He married after his tour and moved to Faribault, Minnesota where he became an instructor of English and Special Education. He went on to work with Cummins Engine Company from 1971-1980, becoming the Division Vice President of Human Resources. While working for Cummins, he attended the Harvard Graduate School of Business PMD program, where he graduated in 1978. Tracy then joined Volkswagen of America as the Director of Personnel in 1980 which brought him to Englewood Cliffs, N.J. for the next several years, then he chose to pursue his passion for music, moving to Manhattan Beach, California. There he worked for the U.S.A. for Africa Foundation as Director of Procurement and Distribution during the African famine relief effort. He continued to combine his love for music with service work, helping to manage resources generated by the Hands Across America campaign, and went on to serve as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the International Medical Corps in Los Angeles. His work in this industry helped him realize his passion for helping people, so he pursued a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, graduating in 1996. He worked for many years privately as a life coach and as a counselor at the South Bay Center for Counseling in Manhattan Beach.

A longtime fan of vintage racing, having grown up attending races at Road America with his beloved Stratton cousins, Tracy bought himself a Triumph Spitfire and began racing with SCCA. This passion would see him through the rest of his life, bringing fast cars, big wins, and some of his dearest friends to his life. Tracy raced in Willow Springs and Laguna Seca primarily, and he soon realized that the Monterey Bay Peninsula and surrounding area was where he wanted to be. In 2005 he made his final move to the beautiful Carmel Valley. Here he relished living close to the track with views of mountains, redwoods, and wildlife. He had found his Heaven on Earth. Tracy was a successful competitor, winning several Regional titles and logging track lap records; he became part of the fabric of the racing community. Sharing racing was one of his greatest joys in life.

In addition to his love for Rock and Roll and Racing, Tracy was a passionate advocate for his fellow veterans and a strong supporter of the Veterans Transition Center of California. He served on numerous boards throughout his adult life. He was a lover of animals and supported the SPCA generously.

Tracy is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Brit & Megan Gordon of Atlanta, Georgia, his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, Katey, Josh, and Brit Foster of Walden, Vermont, his older brother and sister-in-law Brit & Laura Gordon and Brit’s children and grandchildren, his younger brother Scott Gordon, beloved cousins Harry & Barb Stratton, Patsy Schroeder, and Fred Stratton, along with their many cherished children and grandchildren, and his beloved dog Nica.

Our family would like to recognize the incredible support of his long-time friend Louise Ventresca and his care team: Carolyn, Kaitlin, Jonny, & Anabel, all who enjoyed years of friendship with Tracy and who offered incredible care in his final days. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A celebration of Tracy’s life will take place at a time and date TBA.