Memories from Others:

1. I have many wonderful memories of Paul Gordon, but one especially stands out. It was the day we unplugged the mainframe on January 24, 2008. Paul, being the innovator that he was, challenged us over 13 years ago to achieve this goal and the day had finally arrived. He was so excited and appreciative of everyone’s extra effort and perseverance to make this happen. I will never forget his smile when we finally unplugged it. The day wouldn’t have been the same without Paul’s presence. Thank you, Paul for your patience and ongoing confidence in us to achieve this goal. I will deeply miss your humble spirit and Godly example you set. God has truly taken home a wonderful man. My prayers are with the entire Gordon family during this difficult time. May God be especially close.

   ~ Steve VanderMolen, May 10th, 2008

2. The entries in this blog are amazing, and if you knew Paul you would agree with each one. We were touched by his warm personality, strong faith and support of missions to spread the Gospel throughout the world. His eagerness to attend church in his final days was a strong testimony for others to greet our next life with great expectation. He will be missed.

   ~ Patrick and Lori McGovern, May 10th, 2008

3. I was saddened to hear of Paul’s death.I first met Paul in 1967 at General Motors Institute in Flint, where I was in charge of food service and Paul was making sales calls. When I went to Ferris State U. in 1977, the relationship grew. I’ve fished with Paul in the Gulf, golfed with him at Ferris(not his area of expertise),and loved the man for his humor and ready laugh. He was always looking 10 years into the future to see what was coming,and how Gordon’s could be ahead of the curve. His modesty,his rumpled suits,his ready laugh, his pride in GFS, his family,and his faith in his Lord, made him special. I shall miss seeing him at the Gordon shows. HE IS IN GOD’S LOVING ARMS, we shall meet again,What a great reuion That will be.

   ~ Walt and Pat Luecke, May 10th, 2008

4. I first met Paul at my orientation in 2001. He asked where I was from and replied, “Ann Arbor.” He immediately asked if I’d been to a certain Indian restaurant there, which he said was one of his favorite, and I responded I hadn’t been there. Ann Arbor was the second thing he remembered about me, the first was my name. A company that employs over 10,000 employees, he’d see me maybe twice a year, and he remembered my name and home town. Wow.

   The second thing I remember is my wife’s face lighting up whenever she’d see Paul at our outings, and his smile (well, smile isn’t an accurate word, it was more “joy.” Just amazing to see.) at seeing her. To be a man to care that deeply for so many people, and then in turn so many people caring about that man, is something that is nearly impossible for me to comprehend. Over the years that I’ve seen him, I can’t picture him not smiling. The picture of him on this web site is so great.

   It is really amazing how such a great “businessman” was such a great “man.” Thank you for everything you’ve given me and my family, Paul. We’ll miss you and your smile always.

   ~ Patrick Shaw, Great Lakes East Sales, May 10th, 2008

5. Paul Gordon’s story in GFS is only a part of his huge life. His commitment to the world and to sharing the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ with all peoples has been his driving passion. At SIM we count it a privilege to have known Paul for many years, to have him serve on our US Board and to be challenged by his life of service.

   Our prayers are with Dottie and the rest of the family. For people from Scotland Psalm 23 is almost like our natinal anthem - may the truth of these great words of David encourage you and support all the family at this time.

   ~ Malcolm (& Liz) McGregor - SIM International Director, May 10th, 2008

6. My thanks to Paul who led, by example, with excellence in integrity and godly principles in business as well as in employee relationships.
   Dottie, you and your family are in my prayers as you walk the journey similar to that of my family just 2 months ago. God is good and the assurance of a reunion in heaven is our consolation.

   ~ Adele Ripley, May 10th, 2008

7. Paul Gordon was part of my business life for 30 years. During that time he was always generous with his time and counsel. He was as kind to a rookie in the business as he was to the senior executives–sometimes moreso. His word was his bond and his friendship was a treasure. I’ll always remember him standing in the lobby at the GFS Food Show for hours talking to his customers. He seemed to know all of them–by name, and he never appeared to get tired. We were all fortunate to know Paul and we’ll all miss him.

   ~ Bill Van Duzer, Heinz FS retired, May 10th, 2008

8. He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
   To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
   What words could better discribe the life lived by Paul. He showed us what being a Man of God can mean in ones life. Paul followed His Savior’s example that the key to leadership is to serve, to show respect and value for everyone his life touched. Thanks for all the lessons learned over these past 20 years of our relationship both as a customer and now as an employee.

   ~ Ned Graf, May 10th, 2008

9. It is with great sadness that I heard of Paul’s passing. I will always be grateful for the 30 years that I worked with him and the many lessons learned. Through many positions with the company, including 10 years in the office working closely with him and the last 20 years in the sales force, he was always there giving guidance and support to make you the best you could be. We all have people in our lives that we can say made us better and he was certainly one of those for me. He was a special man and will be greatly missed. Our sympathy and prayers are with the Gordon family.

   ~ Jim and Judy Ryan GFS 1966-1998, May 10th, 2008

10. Whether it was sharing lunch during a training session in Grand Rapids or just listening to Paul tell stories, you always walked away knowing you learned something. My thoughts and prays go out to Paul and his entire Family.

    ~ Scott Sitkowski, May 10th, 2008

11. I didn’t have as many opportunities to interact with Paul as others, but one story I love to tell people that ask me about the company is from last years food show in Grand Rapids. It was my first food show and we were able to break out from our District for about an hour while we were there. Ted Finco (Marquette Store Manager) and I were walking through the show and saw Paul in his wheelchair. He motioned and was wheeled over to us. Without hesitation he knew who we were and what store we were from. The touching part is the way he forced himself to stand up as far as he could to shake both of our hands and thank us. It is rare for someone in Paul’s position to be that respectful and sincere toward his subordinates. He was an inspirational and kind human being that we will all miss greatly.

    ~ Cory Kuchenberg (Escanaba Marketplace), May 10th, 2008

12. I’ve been very fortunate to have worked closely with GFS as produce vendor overthe last 10 plus years.
    At the end of my first GFS foodshow we were cleaning up and as I was taking some produce out of a cooler, I turned around and there was Paul, looking intently at some of my company’s diced roma tomatoes. I thought Oh! Oh! What’s wrong? He called over Ty Troy, the produce category manager at the time and said “Ty, remember when we used to do these and they mostly looked like tomato soup? These sure are a lot nicer”. Ty introduced me as a new vendor and Paul shook my hand and welcomed me to GFS, thanked me for being there. I will never forget his warmth and heartfelt sincerity. Was fortunate to meet him briefly a number of times over the years and he always seemed to recognize me and thank me for my support of GFS. Paul touched everyone he met or even knew of him.

    ~ Darryl Apger Freshway Foods, May 10th, 2008

13. Paul Gordon had such an influence on my life and my faith. Every time I saw him he had such a unique way of making me feel like a million bucks. His deep hearty laugh will echo in the walls of GFS and our hearts for many years. Witnessing his sons Dan and Jim interact with people and lead these past years, I am encouraged that Paul’s love and care for people, faith, humor and his legacy will continue in the family and leadership at GFS. Paul set high standards but through his example, we can follow after his steps and reach for the same goal that he has made attainable for us all. My prayers are with the Gordon Family

    ~ Anonymous, May 10th, 2008

14. When I started with GFS almost five years ago, I went to Grand Rapids for new Marketplace assistant manager training. The first speaker of the day was to be Dan Gordon. When the orientation was about to begin, Paul Gordon strolled in. He went to the speaker stand and said “Dan was supposed to be the first speaker this morning, but you know how those young people like to sleep in!”. The next morning, we had an early tour of the Marketplace division and various offices. We were lead up to the Gordons’ offices and the only person there was a secretary. On our way down the stairs, Paul was coming up. After greeting us, he asked how everyone was doing up in the offices. Someone replied that he was the only Gordon we had met that morning. His reply: “Looks like another lousy morning on the golf course”. I never witnessed Paul’s business savvy first hand, but his humor throughout the several times I met him over those few days was inspirational in the fact that he seemed to find a bit of humor in various situations.

    ~ Kevin Roecker, Peoria MP, May 10th, 2008

15. I’d like to share with everyone my Paul Gordon moment. I was running my Friday route as usual at
    Bowling Green State University. One of the receivers said you just missed Paul Gordon. I said THE PAUL
    GORDON from GFS? So as the morning went along we kept missing one another. I was at my last stop &
    had just finished when 3 huge cargo vans pulled up and all these people came piling out. So here they all
    come walking up the sidewalk. BGSU reps-Pat Thomas,Tom Snivley-GFS corporate office reps, and Mr
    Paul Gordon. As I introduced myself I said “It’s very nice to finally meet you Mr Gordon”. He quickly replied “Please RJ call me Paul”. So then after some conversation, somebody there had a camera and said “Hey RJ why don’t you and Paul stand next to YOUR truck with the GFS logo in the background and I
    will take your picture”. I quickly replied “It’s not my truck it’s his truck. I just drive it.” Paul’s reply was
    “That’s pretty funny.” I still have that photo today and I took it one step further. I sent it back to Paul’s
    office and he wrote a short note and signed it for me. The next Friday at BGSU, everyone who met Paul
    told me what a nice and pleasant man he was to them. My reply to them was “That’s Paul”.
    My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
    RJ Hessel Toledo-Maumee/Sales Serviceman.

    ~ Anonymous, May 10th, 2008

16. Paul Gordon was the greatest leader I have ever known. His devotion to his relationship with Jesus Christ, his family and all the men and women he served at Gordon Food Service is legend, and all of us who knew him are infinitely better because of it. That’s it. I’ve got to go. Paul wants us out and in front of customers.

    ~ Peter Uhl, May 10th, 2008

17. I didn’t know Paul all that well, but what I did see at the GFS Annual Meetings is that he spoke with his heart. I see that has been passed down to his son Jim. I am sure it will continue to be passed down to future generations. What a great legacy to leave - that is to speak with your heart!
    I’m so sorry for your loss.

    ~ Chris Neiman (wife of Jerry Neiman - IS Dept), May 10th, 2008

18. The Bible says love is seen in our behavior toward one another. It’s easy to say we love Jesus and even include it in written statements; but it is in our actions that real love is seen - and when people see real love, they see God. I am convinced, therefore, that every person who had the priviledge of meeting Paul caught a glimpse of God. People mattered to Paul, there’s no denying that. And it didn’t matter who you were, or who you weren’t, he loved you just the same. I think this is because Paul had learned that love is the flavor of life and life is simply tastless without the flavoring love adds to it - which is way he “sprinkled” love on everyone he met. My life was greatly impacted because of the way Paul lived his life and how he extended continual love, concern, and acts of kindness on the behalf of myself and my family. I loved listening to his stories, especially the one of how he was just going to run into the office for a quick second to grab something off his desk so he parked in the handicapped space. When he came out, there was a parking ticket on his windshield. He couldn’t believe he had gotten a ticket for parking in a lot which he owned. Paul was like a grandpa to me and treated me as if I were family for I think he considered all GFS employee as part of his family. I will miss him greatly, but his legacy will endure. It is my prayer that I, too, will live a life of love - adding flavor to everyone I meet. Thanks, Paul, for showing me who Jesus really is and for loving me for who I am.

    To the Gordon family - our thoughts and prayers are with you and we are truly sorry for your loss. Having just lost my dad three weeks ago to cancer, we know the pain you’re experiencing all to well. Keep his memory alive in your hearts and let his words and example continue to lead you until you are reunited with him again.

    ~ Mark and Moriah Cameron, Mishawaka, IN, May 10th, 2008

19. I will be celebrating my 10 year anniversary with GFS next week.
    Ironically, 10 years ago next week after my third day with GFS as a sales associate I met Paul Gordon for the first time while setting up a small regional food show. I never anticipated or expected to be meet or be acknowled by the owner of the company at this point in my short career, perhaps a formal introduction maybe.
    However, in less than 30 minutes of his arrival I hear this deep baritone voice call my name and turn around to Paul with his hand extended and his signature smile introducing himself. We spent at least 30 minutes talking mostly about my family and past. I was never fortunate enough to get 30 minutes of
    1 on 1 time with him again, but over the years at food shows & meetings, he somehow managed to acknowlege me by my name and have time for brief conversation.
    I now work in the marketing dept. where I have had the privledge to witness the passion & culture Paul instilled into another great orginazation and industry leader known as Markon.
    A true icon to the industry who has touched so many who he never knew.
    I am deeply greatful for what Paul & the Gordon family have provided me and my family.
    Our thoughts & prayers will be with Ms. Dottie & the Gordon family as we celebrate the ultimate example of life he shared with us.
    He will be missed, until we meet again.

    ~ Chris Willett-CSD, May 10th, 2008

20. A man of character, humor, compassion and most of all love for the Lord Jesus Christ! He often told me he was just pragmatic! In truth, he was a man of conviction and values who loved God, his family and people. My 8 years at Gordon Food Service changed my life. His mansion will be very large in his new home. God bless you Paul! You ran the good race! You were that good and faithful servant!

    ~ Steve Ensley, May 10th, 2008