Close Dottie's letter
Dear Friends:
As this chapter of my life with Paul comes to completion, I want to express my deep thankfulness for all your kind notes of remembrance. As I read your comments, tears came to my eyes when I realized how deeply you loved and respected Paul. I never fathomed how powerfully Paul impacted your lives.
I believe those of you at GFS who initiated this blog pulled a fast one on Paul. I know he would have vetoed it, if he had known all the compliments that were to follow.
I have a story to pass on relating to Paul's good memory. At a recent Food Show, Paul and I were going through the isles. I saw a man that I should have known by name. In a whisper I asked Paul "What is his name?" He could not remember until they shook hands. Immediately Paul said, "Hi Bob how are you?".
Once again, I would like to thank you for your love and prayers for Paul, our family and myself. We have all been encouraged and blessed. The Lord has been our constant companion and helper through these difficult months. We have experienced His peace.
Paul would want me to leave you with a verse for you to ponder "whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24
~ Dottie Gordon,
Close Dottie's letter
By Day:
- May 19th, 2008
- May 18th, 2008
- May 17th, 2008
- May 16th, 2008
- May 15th, 2008
- May 14th, 2008
- May 13th, 2008
- May 12th, 2008
- May 11th, 2008
- May 10th, 2008
- May 9th, 2008
- May 8th, 2008
- May 7th, 2008
- All Memories
To the Gordon family:
We would like to express our deepest condolences. Paul was an extraordinary man with an extraordinary heart. His dedication and compassion impacted those around him more than he ever knew.
We have known Paul for several decades. Throughout this time, Paul became more than a business associate but a revered friend. Some of our fondest memories were spent at the countless golf outings, food shows, and dinners.
We are truely blessed to have known a man with such genorisity and kindness.
God Bless
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008Andreas, Harry, and Danny Dionyssiou
Kip and Harry Proestos
The entire Rudy’s Hot Dog Family
Paul always brought with him a sense of humor. I will never forget the day he emerged from the Sales Office in the backroom of the Merrillville GFS Marketplace store and exclaimed “Oh Boy, I didn’t know we built a warehouse in Indiana.” The store had received 3 full semi-loads during Graduation Season due to a few errors in transmitting orders.
It has been my pleasure to work for GFS for the last 10 years. Paul will be dearly missed. Our job is to continue to carry on his vision of being the preferred foodservice supplier. My thoughts go out to the family. It is comforting to know that he is finally home and God willing we will all see him again someday.
~ Sandy Wright - Indianapolis, May 12th, 2008I met Paul at food shows and saw him at soccer games when my daughter played with his grandaughter. He was a class act and Brann’s is proud to do business with Gordon Food Service. To the entire family my sincere condolences.Jim {son} is a great man and and I enjoyed working with him back in the day. Hi Jim. I will say a prayer for you and the family.You are a great family with an outstanding reputation as a business and as great people.
~ Johnny Brann /Brann's Restaurants, May 12th, 2008I first met Paul at the grand opening of the GFS Marketplace store in Strongsville. I was handling the preparation and serving of the food for the evening and Paul walked up to me and asked if he could have a sample. At the time I didn’t really know who he was but I suspected that he was the owner of the company. It was easy for me to see his warmth, kindness and humility by the way that he treated me, a stranger working for his company. I remember chatting with him for a few minutes before the doors opened that night. It is easy to see that he was the model to follow for the rest of the company as it always flows from the top down. May he rest with joy in the presence of the Lord. God bless your family and your company as well.
~ Andy Zarzour-Old World Deli, May 12th, 2008God has blessed us with the Leadership that Paul has taught us and we will continue to carry out his visions.
I believe Paul will look over us each day and continue to guide us in the eyes of the Lord.
God bless you Paul Gordon.
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008Paul Gordon was a man who knew how to make people feel special. He had a genuine warmth and love and the amazing ablilty to remember your name! We enjoyed spending time with Paul and the other members of the Gordon Family at Winners Circle in Savannah this past fall and spent one morning touring that wonderful city with him. He was a real trooper!
~ Ronald and Jean Kornowa, May 12th, 2008We have been part of the Gordon Food Service family for almost 18 years now and what a blessing it has been to us. All aspects of our lives have been enriched and we will miss this amazing man. To all the Gordons - you are in our thoughts and prayers.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
When I found out I could go online and share a story about Paul I couldn’t help but remember the time he drove Kirk Zell, a rookie sales rep at the time, from Saginaw to Caro, Michigan for a sales meeting back in the early 80’s. Now for those of you who dont know how Paul drives, he’s more interested in talking with you, getting to know what’s going on with your family and finding out what’s going on out in the field than paying attention to traffic and ditches large enough to swallow a small bus on the side of the road.
You’d have to hear Zell tell the story (ask him about Pauls vision for order entry during that ride) but lets just say the look on Zell’s face when he got out of the car was so terrified we not only laughed for years but decided to draw straws (short one wins) on who was going to have to ride with Paul the next time he came to visit.
Thanks for the laughs Paul. I’m so glad I got a chance to see you last October at the food show. Your vision, wit and warmth will truly be missed by all who knew you.
Gods blessing to you and your family.
~ Tom Heidger, May 12th, 2008Our memories of watching this wonderful, energetic, vibrant Christian man lead whether in our church, the Bible Conference, his home, with youth, his own children or whatever, we would say that his example was that of an outstanding Christian man. Thank you Dottie for being his faithful wife through these many years and an example to many of us of a godly woman such as in Proverbs 31. Thanks to you both for your kindness to us a number of years ago when our son was very ill as well. It has been our privilege to have known and shared life as believers in this world. May the Lord continue to be with each member of your delightful, sensitive, loving family in these days ahead.
~ Emo and Rose Ellyn VB, May 12th, 2008I used to have candy on my desk which he frequented often for the candy. When I didn’t have any candy he would let me know how disappointed he was with me cause his candy was gone so I would go on my lunch and get some and then put some on his desk with a note saying candy back in stock. Then when customer service was moving all over the place at the 333 building he couldn’t find me so I made my foot prints and started at his desk to my desk with a sign saying this way to the candy.
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008I was blessed to have known such a great family and to have worked for a great company.
Dear Gordon family,
~ glenn and Bev Scott family, May 12th, 2008It is obvious Paul Gordon has left a legacy of love for the Lord and His servants. Our sympathy is with you at this time and we look forward to being reunited one day in heaven. May God grant you His peace and comfort you in your loss. Our prayers are with you.
I met Paul Gordon for the first time in January 2000 at a New Employee Orientation in Grand Rapids. After listening to him speak to the group, I knew I had made a good decision in joining GFS. He exemplified what we all should strive to be: honest, humble, charitable, humorous and genuine.
I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Gordon again this past summer when he visited Bridge Brand. Although he was not feeling well at the time, he was still full of quick witted comments and a sense of humour.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gordon Family. I know you will all miss Mr. Gordon very much.
~ Tricia Federkow, HR Manager, Bridge Brand Winnipeg (formerly GFS Ontario), May 12th, 2008Dearest Gordon family,
I am very fortunate to have met Paul and have my memories of him. I will be forever be grateful to him. He treats our company as a partner and a preferred supplier. I have had the honor of meeting with Paul in Jakarta (Indonesia) on 25th October 2003 and in Grand Rapids (US) on 5th Sep 2006.
I would like to send my deepest sympathy to the Gordon family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort you.
God Bless Paul and the entire Gordon Family.
Our sincere sympathies,
~ Josep Lay, May 12th, 2008Great Giant Pineapple, Indonesia
I will never forget Paul Gordon and his spirit. What an inspiration to all who have ever met or known him. As with others in this long list of memories, it’s hard to think of just one. He was always smiling and would remember your name even if he only met you once. An amazing God-given talent. I guess one thing that alway stands out in my mind is the generosity of Paul and the Gordon Family. I remember early in my 16 years here at GFS, I was asked to fix a spreadsheet on his assistant’s PC. In those days, there was no network, you had to go the the person’s PC and look at it. As it turned out, the spreadsheet contained a list of contributions that the Gordon family had made to various charities, churches, and organizations. I honestly can’t remember a single name or organization because that’s not what was important to me. What stuck out in my mind was how LONG the list was. We have all seen those that donate generous sums of money and then name the building, park, school, museum, or whatever after themselves. Paul donated very generous amounts of money very quietly and consistently. Paul always viewed it as doing God’s will and didn’t need to hear accolades or gain earthly stature. Quite the opposite.
There is no doubt in my mind that he heard those words “Well done thou good and faithful servant” when he met his personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
While we are sad at losing this great man, this is truly a day for CELEBRATING knowing that Paul is free from his earthly pain and suffering and is now resting peacefully in his eternal home.
Thank you Paul for being such an inspiration and influence in my life.
~ Al Contreras, May 12th, 2008I wanted to take a moment to thank the Gordon Family for sharing Paul with the rest of us. Paul touched many lives. He always made every person he came in contact with feel they were just as important as he was. The way Paul lived his life is an example for the rest of us to pattern our lives after.
When my husband and I were looking to adopt, we has asked Paul if he could give us some ideas of what to expect when traveling in China. Paul not only gave us the information, he also took the time to follow up on the adoption agency that we were thinking of using and recommended that we choose another one. If Paul had not taken the time to talk to us, we probably would not been able to adopt the two wonderful children we have.
Thank you and God Bless
~ The Wheelers, May 12th, 2008Joining with so many others, my colleagues in Russian MInistries and I want to express our condolences to the Gordon Family and to praise God for Paul’s life. He will truly and greatly be missed, but his faithfulness, kindness and gracefulness will remain as a blessing and challenge. With my late husband, Peter, i remember being with Paul and Dottie many times at Gull Lake and also with Paul in Russia. Wherever our paths crossed, Paul’s warm and memorable smile, humility, kindness and generosity were unchanging.
~ Anita Deyneka, May 12th, 2008Dear family and friends of Paul Gordon,
With sadness in my heart I received the word that Paul is no longer
with us. It is with joy in my heart, however, to realize that he is
now with the Lord and that his generous spirit is continuing to
impact thousands of churches and families around the world. I first
met Paul Gordon at Gull Lake Bible and Missionary Çonference after
coming to the U.S. from Russia in 1990. I was very impressed by his
vision and passion to support so many ministries, and for his desire
to educate many families about the importance of missions. Today
hundreds of churches have been planted and thousands of Christian
leaders in the former Soviet Union have been trained because of
Paul’s compassion and strategic generosity demonstrated through
Cornerstone Trust and Gull Lake Bible and Missionary ministries.
Paul was a great instrument in the hands of God, helping to expand
God’s Kingdom throughout the most needy territories of the former
Soviet Union.
While traveling with Paul in Russia and Ukraine soon after the
collapse of the Soviet Union, I discovered for myself how
compassionate and generous he was in meeting the needs of the
church. Personally, I am so grateful to Paul and Dottie Gordon for
their generous support which enabled me to receive my training at
Moody Bible Institute and which paved the way for my current
involvement in leadership training ministry. My colleagues, friends,
and family who met Paul–both in Russia and in Wheaton, Illinois–
will always remember his great, deep voice and his motto, “We are
here to expand God’s Kingdom.”
Whenever I see a truck passing me with the familiar red letters
representing Gordon Food Service, I praise God for the Gordon family,
for their great testimony on behalf of God’s family, and for Paul
personally, who faithfully fulfilled his mission and passed it on to
his children and many colleagues.
Thank you, Paul. We will see you at the gates of glory.
Sergey N. Rakhuba
~ Sergey N. Rakhuba, May 12th, 2008Russian Ministries
Dottie and family,
Our sympathies are with you during this time. Thank you for the encouragement and support that you have been to us throughout these years. Paul was one of my favorite people at Berean. His humility, generosity, joy, and friendliness was contagious to be around….
I remember one time while running one of our inner-city youth programs, running into him while he was dropping off some books at the church. At the time, I was in the process of dealing with a student who had just threatened the life of another kid in our programs as well as threatening me. Once the youth left the church, Paul asked me a couple questions, put his arm around me, and encouraged me in my ministry.
As God has surely blessed you in many ways, in response you have blessed so many people, ministries, missionaries, etc…
Serving Christ in the ‘hood,
Joel and Sherilyn Shaffer, Urban Transformation Ministries
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008The first time I met Paul was when Tom Snively and I took my employer, Erie Sauder (Founder of Sauder Woodworking and Sauder Village) to visit the GFS facilities in Grand Rapids. We met Paul, who at this time in his life was “semi-retired”, in his office and he and Erie immediatley hit if off. Well of course, Paul wanted to show Erie the facilities and our first stop was at the conference room where Paul, without kocking, walked us into an upper management meeting that was taking place, proceeded to introduce us to the enitre top team and take over their meeting for about 10 minutes. The top team was very gracious and as we left the meeting, Paul said to us with a huge smile and hardy laugh, “don’t worry about that, they are used to me interupting”.
Since that time I had several more opportunities to get to know Paul and Dottie for which I am truly thankful. Paul was truly a living example and testimony of his faith in Jesus Christ and a witness for each of us. There is no doubt that when Paul met his saviour he heard the words, “well done good and faithful servant”.
~ Andy Brodbeck, May 12th, 2008Dearest Gordon family,
Both Bill and I are very thankful to have known Paul. He was a great man, with allot of talent! Both of us have been with the company since the merger of Maple Leaf Foods and the Gordon Family! I remember Paul saying “People make a company”, we truly believe that this came from Paul’s heart!
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Gordon Family!
~ Charlotte , Bill Baptie - Milton, May 12th, 2008We are so thankful for the opportunity to know the Gordon Family and what you stand for! We are the blessed ones as your family has been a “gift from God” to our family. Rejoice, as Paul surely is at this time!
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008Thank you again,
Steve & Chris Beard
One of my most memorable instances of Paul occurred after working for Gordon Food Service for a little over a year. My wife and I were at the profit sharing dinner for new employees. We were sitting at a round table before dinner; Paul walked up and asked if he could dine with us. Of course we invited him to take a seat, he was buying. Paul sat down and talked to us like it was a family dinner. He explained that he had recently returned from a trip to Russia and told us about his many excursions on the trip. My wife and I were very impressed that the President of Gordon Food Service would take the time to sit and eat with us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gordon family. May Paul’s philosophy continue to drive Gordon Food Service. Thank- You Paul
~ Brian Feringa, May 12th, 2008To the Gordon family,
I am truly thankful for the example that Paul set with his life and hope that I can honor him by leading to the best of my ability in years to come. He was and continues to be a true inspiration.
My sincere sympathies,
~ Mike Ferguson, May 12th, 2008Dottie and family…..we are rejoicing with you in Paul’s homegoing…to think he is breathing celestial air..yet we are sad for your loss. Mark’s dad went home after a 5 year struggle with cancer about 6 months ago…so we understand the mixture & mystery of JOY & SORROW!
Today as you welcome friends and family we are praying for God’s peace, strength & joy to flow through each one of you! More so…for tomorrow’s celebration…that many will come to know Jesus personally through Paul’s life & testimony!
Much love to you Dottie and to Jim & Bonnie - please feel a bug hug across the email waves!
~ Mark & Debbie (Kuyers) McGoldrick - Atlanta, GA, May 12th, 2008I as a small restaurant owner was also fortunate to talk to Paul Gordon on a couple of occasions at on of there great food shows…He seemed to be very down to earth as everyone in the GFS company is…I have been a GFS customer for over 35 years and it has been a real pleasure doing business with them…My thoughts and prayers are with all the family….
~ Andrew Brown, Fenton, MI, May 12th, 2008My husband and I were upset to hear the news of Paul Gordon’s passing. Him and his wife were wonderful people and treated everyone good. My husband is a GFS employee and we can’t say enough how the Gordon’s treat everyone that works for them and their families. None of the Gordon’s ever acted above anyone and Paul was no exception. He would come up to and talk to my husband on the floor at the warehouse along with any of the Gordon’s passing through. We talked to Paul and his wife several times over the last few years at the meeting including sitting with them at one of the shows last year and what a wonderful couple. He will be deeply missed.
~ Michael & Sharon Heath, May 12th, 2008There are so many wonderful stories to accompany a wonderful human being. One of my favorites - At a foodshow last year, I gave Paul a handful of vitamins - Flax & Fish Oil (which I would do from time to time) - He would just say “What’s this? What are these for?” I’d simply say, “Paul, that’s the best thing for you, right there”. After he’d swallowed them, a sales rep standing next to us said “Now, Paul, it’s time to tell you what those were really for” He was laughing so hard, he spilled his bottled water all down the side of my pants.
~ Kim - Credit/Nat'l Accts, May 12th, 2008My wife Lisa and I had the distinct pleasure of vacationing in Cabo San Lucas for a week with Paul and Dottie in February of 2007. I will never forget the trip, nor will I ever forget the generosity of the Gordon family, one of the things that stuck out, and I will never forget, we were all on a deep sea fishing charter, and both boats got skunked, no fish! When we made it back to shore, the guys on the boats were hammering us for “tips”, and it was made clear to us all, no tipping, everything was included.
~ Rick Reed/ Central MI, May 12th, 2008So, as Paul made his way off the boat, he heard these guys getting after us for tips, and said ” Tips…. I got a tip for ya, next time you have two boat loads full of people out there, help them catch a fish” and immediately followed his quip with that big hearty laugh that he had. What an amazing trip, thank you Paul and Dottie.
Dear Gordon Family,
This is a voice from the past. I still remember the many times that you had the teens from Berean over at your home back in the late fifties and early sixties. And of course I remember the trips we took as a youth group. Plus Paul was my Sunday school teacher for some of those years.
I’m sure Paul will be missed, but please know that he had a profound impact on my life as a fatherless teen. Now almost 50 years later, I am serving the Lord as the General Director of Baptist Mid-Missions Spanish literature ministry, Editorial Bautista Independiente, in Sebring FL.
~ Marv Stephens, May 12th, 2008In the summer of 2002 I had the distinct pleasure of a special ride-with request. Yes a day to spend with Paul Gordon visiting customers in the Toronto area. A day in my life I will never forget. Paul Gordon exemplified the meaning of family, faith, business and goodwill to all. His appreciation for his customers and employees, the sharing of a joke a smile a firm handshake influenced my life.
Thank You for being a great role model.
With respect and admiration
~ Jim kapetanos and Family, May 12th, 2008We would like to send our sympathy to Dottie and her family. May the Lord comfort you at this time.
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008Your are in our prayers.
Andy and Joyce VanderKlok
I have many fond moments from over the years. What I admired most about Paul was that he remembered your name, even if you only met him once. He was always kind and ALWAYs had a smile on his face. He was a great man and you felt that from the moment you met him. He made you feel at home whenever you seen him. I feel very blessed to have known and worked for such a great man. He will be missed.
My prayers are with Paul and the entire Gordon Family.
~ Melissa Beckett, May 12th, 2008I have very fond personal memories of Paul Gordon. When I came to Grand Rapids for orientation, he was there shaking hand with everyone. He actually took my orientation photo. I am surprised we got a photo because he had me laughing so hard.
Paul Gordon was a very consistent man. He was the same person everytime I saw him. Whether at a Tiger’s game or a foodshow, he had a firm handshake, a warm smile and a positive word.
~ Jackie Pineo, May 12th, 2008I want to extend to the Gordon family my deepest sympathy in the loss of Paul. It was not that long ago that I lost my father and the pain was very real and deep. Two things guided me through the loss of my father that there is not doubt in my mind all the members of the Gordon family have as I did. One was the belief that my father, as Paul is now, in the precence of our Almight Lord and Savior and without any physical pain. This belief has always brought a smile to my face knowing that my dad, as Paul is also, in a much better place and knowing happiness as he never knew it on earth. The second is the faith that one day in the future the Gordon’s, as I will also, will see Paul again and we will all know the peace and happiness that our Savior has for us. Cling to the Lord and know that He is in control and all will be well.
~ Doug Miller, May 12th, 2008What else can one say after reading all these notes about Paul. I have been here 15+ years. I been in 3 different departments, worked in GR and outside of GR, but the story is all the same. The Gordon Family Philosophy does not change. Paul, as well as the other family members, made sure of this. With all the changes, that took place in our Company over the last 15 years, The Gordon Family Philosophy– the Foundation in which Paul and John led us in life and work, did not.
I am very fortunate to have met Paul and have my memories of him. I will be forever be grateful to him I while I try to follow his example allowing me to be a better Christian, husband, father and worker.
God Bless Paul and the entire Gordon Family. You are in my prayers.
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008Though I met Paul Gordon a number of times over the past 10 years my first and shortest meeting stands out the most. I was attending my first annual meeting in 1998. I had forgotten my camera and walked quite a distance back to the parking garage serveral blocks away to retrieve it.
~ Kevin Wright, May 12th, 2008As a approached my car, Paul Gordon pulled in a parking space a few yards away. I was really impressed that the Chairman of the board who could have parked anywhere he wanted chose to park a any space he could find just like me. He said hi as we passed and that brief meeting still stands out to this day.
Dear Gordon Family:
~ Ed Gratton, May 12th, 2008Author, Henri J. M. Nouwen said, “Our death may be the end of our success, our productivity, our fame or our importance among people, but it is not the end of our fruitfulness. In fact, the opposite is true: the fruitfulness of our lives shows itself in its fullness only after we have died. But the beauty of life is that it bears fruit long after life itself has come to an end.”
John 12:24 says, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
The real question before our death, then, is not, How much can I still accomplish, or How much can I still exert to be successful? But, How can I live so that I can continue to be fruitful when I am no longer here among my family and friends? That question shifts our attention from doing to being. Our doing brings success, but our being bears fruit.
Certainly, Paul Gordon be missed, but as long as he is remembered in your heart and through your life, he will never be really gone. And one day, we’ll come to understand the full impact of his life when we reach eternity.
I pray that you’ll continue to find God’s peace in a most difficult time. Even though I was a part of GFS for a short time, actually between ministries, I still draw upon my experiences taken from those years. Mr. Gordon was an encouragement to me and he will continue to bear fruit by the legacy he leaves.
I would like to send my deepest sympathy to the Gordon family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort you.
~ Pat Ausema, May 12th, 2008In the 37 years my husband has been with GFS, Paul Gordon HAS BEEN Gordon Food Service to us.
~ Cheryl Schadler, May 12th, 2008Paul always had a smile and a handshake for each and every employee and spouse, and usually knew them by name. We had the pleasure of dining with Paul at one of the GFS annual meetings many years ago. I had anticipated that I would really need to watch my table manners with the president of this company, but was pleasantly surprised that I could just be myself with Paul. He made us feel like we were great friends or family; he was so down to earth.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Gordon family. Paul was a great man!
I had the priviledge to meet Paul at my first Annual meeting back in 2000. I had worked for the company a total of 2 1/2 months. My wife was with me and she told me that, that is a very thoughtful man to take a few minutes to talk w/ a new employee and ask how I liked working in Maintenance. I will never forget that few minutes and his deep infectious laughter! I also pray for the Gordon family each morning on my way to work, as well as my Supervisors. It is an Honor to work for such a Blessed company and such a caring family. I will keep the Gordon family in my prayers for a long time to come. The right words cannot be found at a time like this and so many have already been said. May God richly bless you all for your dedication to all of your employees!
~ Al, May 12th, 2008There are many great things you can say about Paul Gordon but the most special to me was watching him engaging with others and watching his “Servent Leadership” in action. His caring, leadership, laughter, and love for life and other people will always stay with me and I feel fortunate to have known him at my time at GFS. God bless the entire Gordon family.
~ Dave Appleby, May 12th, 2008It has always amazed me what a blessing it is to work for Gordon Food Service. You ask employees where they work and typically you will get a comment like “it is a wonderful and caring company”. Well, that truely comes from such a loving and caring family that truely does put employees first. Paul Gordon walked, talked, and breathed a deep and genuine appreciation for every employee at GFS and he was never too busy to stop and ask how you were doing that day. My husband and I were blessed to travel with Paul and Dottie to Mexico last year and they never stopped for a second making each and every person on that trip feel special. He is truely one of God’s angels that blessed each and every person that he met here on this earth. Thank you again Paul for everything, from everyone whose lives you touched.
~ Stacy and Michael Bolf, May 12th, 2008I’ll never forget the day that my manager at the time told me that a company out of the U.S. called Gordon Food Service was looking at buying us (Maple Leaf Foods in Ontario) and they were sending up a management team to work with some of us. I was a sales rep on the road at the time and when I was told that several “Gordons” were coming up, I said “Who are they, the owners?” My manager said that yes they were. Before GFS purchased us, our the owners were just names on a paycheque, but all that changed when GFS entered our lives. That was 14 years ago and the company that Paul and his family have built and the values that they live by have coninued to permeate our culture here in Ontario. I feel blessed to have met Paul on several occasions. He always made me feel cared for. His legacy will live on through all of the folks who he has touched with his servant leadership approach and we will honour him by living the values that he built GFS on. Thought’s and prayers go out to the family from Brendan, Lisa, Megan and Margaret MacNeil.
~ Lisa MacNeil, GFS Ontario, May 12th, 2008It is hard to find the words or just one story about Paul Gordon. I started GFS in 1975 so Paul Gordon has not only been my employer, but he has also been another father figure in my life. He and his company have not only helped me grow professionally, but also personally.
I have so many wonderful memories with Paul that I do not even know where to begin. I guess the one that will always stick in my mind is one night back in the mid 1980’s. Dottie and Paul had just come home from a relaxing vacation. We had a serious computer problem around 3-4AM. It was not unusual for Paul to come in to the office to see if he could help (no matter what time it was). Paul rolled into the office in his nice three-piece (mind you, it is about 4AM) however, he had on tennis shoes. He said that he could not find his dress shoes because Dottie had not un-packed yet and all he had was his tennis shoes that he wore home on the plane. I told him, no worries, by tomorrow; everyone will be dressing like that and he had just started a new fad.
There was not a day that went by that Paul did not take the time to say hello and some kind words if he was walking by you in the office. He sets a great example for all of us on how we should be professionally, personally and spiritually. He was honest, kind, led by example, loving and had great integrity. I feel honored and I am a better person to have known Paul Gordon for 32 years.
~ Christina Marckini, May 12th, 2008This is indeed a man of the highest standard. You’ve left a wonderful example. I’m certain God said “well done my good and faithful servent” as you stand before him. God bless and comfort to his family.
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008It’s hard to find words to describe a man as extraordinary as Paul Gordon. He made the world a better place. I’ll always remember his humor, his grace, his strong work ethic and most of all how he lived and embodied his faith. What a great example for us all. My life is richer for having known him. God Bless you Paul.
~ Patty Sullivan, May 12th, 2008Paul & The rest of the Gordon Family… Thank you for the happiness & security our Family has. GFS is truley one of a kind!
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008God Bless
A warm smile. A friendly,firm handshake. Calling you out by name. Making you feel you are an important,needed, part of the GFS team. That is how I will remember Paul.
Thank you for setting a great example for us Mr Gordon!
~ Mitch Smith, May 12th, 2008I hope we will continue to carry your legacy as you would expect us to.
A Customer from one of the many schools serviced by GFS, I met Paul Gordon at my first food show as a Director, in Grand Rapids, about 22 years ago. Had a very brief conversation with him and was very impressed, but what just blew me away didn’t happen till the following year. At my second food show in Grand Rapids, I had a sweater on over my name tag so I know he remembered me. He called me by name and knew I was from a school in Ohio. He was nothing less than an AMAZING man and will be truly missed. God bless you Paul as you have so many others!
~ Sherry Kitson and Staff, May 12th, 2008Not surprisingly, everyone has a Paul Gordon story and they all revolve around how much he cared about them as people. My personal story came 10 years ago and while I won’t go into details, I found it even more amazing that, when I repeated it to a group at orientation back in February, Paul chimed right in as if it happened yesterday! We all hope to learn lessons from life but I think that many of us are learning even more from the passing of a life truly well lived and loved! It is because of you, Paul, and the impact that you had on an entire organization of people that will leave me with nothing but fond memories of the 10 years that I spent as a part of your family. Thank you, and God’s peace and blessings upon your family.
~ Paul Stabile Jenison, MI, May 12th, 2008When I was a young confused teenager, Paul Gorden spent time with me via the youth group that he worked with and I always remember him as a very kind and helpful man and this helped me through these times. He is a man to be remembered.
I was sorry to hear of his passing, but I know he is in a better place.
~ Paul Strawbridge, May 12th, 2008I would like to express my condolences to Mrs. Gordon and all the family. I know that you all will miss Paul terribly, as will many others in your community and in the foodservice industry. I, for one, was honored to have known Paul and grieve his passing. I often speak of him with pride when I am asked about people I have worked with and for during my career.
I was the Regional Sales Manager with Lamb Weston in the late 70’s to mid 80’s and had the fortune of personally dealing with Paul; for some reason French fires were on Paul’s radar. I was always glad to have Paul summon me from the meeting with the buyer to his office. He was as much a southern gentleman as I would hope to ever be.
Paul paid me a great complement one time by accepting my invitation to attend a Lamb Weston meeting at the Lake of the Ozarks. I was proud to have him and Miss Dottie attend. As you might expect, Paul paid his own way. He gave us a slide presentation on the distribution business in China. I know you all have probably seen the slides on his tripe to China. I’m certain he was trying to make a point during this presentation, but for the life of me all I can remember is the laughter…
Paul helped make my career; I went on to become the VP of Sales for Lamb Weston, then started by own business. I regret that I have not seen Paul since I left Lamb Weston, but like so many others whose lives were touched by him, I am happy to have my memories of him.
~ Tom Davis/Marietta, GA, May 12th, 2008I had the privilege of being able to work with Paul once each quarter on GFS’s new employee orientation for the last 4 years. I always looked forward to those Monday mornings! Paul would generally be there early so that he could meet all the new people as they filed in for the day. It seems like we always got started late because he was still visiting with people after our scheduled start time!
You would think that I’d get bored hearing the same man speak four times each year for four consecutive years. However, each talk he gave was different because it centered around the people in the room and what they wanted to learn about their new employer. Each one of those talks was a learning experience and a true blessing for me.
My mother always told me that when you visit someplace that you’re supposed to leave it in better shape than it was when you got there. Paul Gordon has surely left his earthly home in MUCH better shape. My thoughts and continued prayers are with the Gordon’s. Paul has certainly been an inspiration to me.
~ Kevin Jurek, May 12th, 2008Paul hired me as a sales rep for Detroit in October of 1975 and he has been a profound influence in my profeesional, pesonal, and spiritual life ever since. I have not worked directly for GFS in over 10 years but the wall above my desk in my current office is all memories of my 21 years there. In the center is a framed note of encouragement Paul wrote to me in September of 1981. My hope and prayer for the leadership at GFS is that you will continue to write notes of encouragement to those who need it to honor Paul’s memory.
~ JR, May 12th, 2008Thank you , we will miss Paul, He is a wonderful person, very giving. God bless you all during this time.
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008I have been truly blessed to have known Paul for more then 14 years. I have always admired him for his great humility, honesty, integrity, and his love of our Lord and Savior.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gordon family. May God’s love heal your sorrow and replace your heartache with warm and loving memories of Paul.
~ Tim and Millie Terry, May 12th, 2008I will always think of Paul as a man that loved his God, his family, and his work. His life was an ongoing testimony of his Christian faith, and I am sure many that knew him are following his path becuse of their relationship with him. It was important for Paul to win in business but more important how he played the game. I beleive that GFS success has been because of these virtues.
~ Anonymous, May 12th, 2008I met Paul 9 years ago when he came in to the equipment room, which is now MarketPlace Heads Quarters HR, and was introduced to us. He shook my hand exchange names. Not meeting him for almost a year he passed me in the hall and said, “Hi Doug, how are things going?” He remembered me and that touched me. The simple things in life go a long way. God Bless your Family!
~ Doug Messick, May 12th, 2008When you met Paul, he didn’t just look you in the eye…he looked into your soul! His infectious laugh made you forget anything that may have been bothering you. When he shook your hand, as he did whenever you saw him, he would grasp you with both of his hands or put his other hand on your shoulder. Sure, he remembered your wife and children, but he also asked what they were doing because he wanted to know. They were his kids too in the GFS family.
His life is a testament to his faithfulness to Christ and the Scriptures. He lived a full life and imparted a special gift to all who met him. He would not want us to grieve. He has shed his earthly body and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior. He has entrusted us to “Carry on”.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Dottie, Dan and Jim and the whole Gordon family in your time of loss. God bless you.
~ Dan & Mary Cutting, May 12th, 2008I was fortunate enough to attend Winners Circle a few years ago. I took a dear female friend of mine for a fun filled weekend in Charleston, South Carolina.
~ Judith Miller, May 12th, 2008After dinner we decided to grab a couple of cigars and head to a comfortabale lounge area to sit, chat and have a smoke.
Paul Gordon found us in the lounge enjoying our cigars and he apparently thought that was hilarious. He could not stop laughing.
A week or so after we all returned home and for me the cigar event was forgotten…I received a cigar in company mail along with a hand written note from Paul.
When you thought the company was getting so big you would be forgotten, Paul always remembered you.
He made you feel like you were an important part of the organization.
My family and I would like to send our condolences to the Gordon family. We are also praying and thanking the lord for sending the Holy Spirit to comfort, bless and stand by the Gordon family in this time of grief and sorry.
~ Tim, Theresa, Erica and Matthew Kimmick, May 12th, 2008Simply put, Paul was a man after God’s own heart. He walked the walk, he talked the talk, and lived his life daily in the shadow of God’s wings. In reading his final letter that was sent out to all employees just a few short weeks ago, tears filled my eyes as he very openly gave all the credit and all the glory to God. What an impact this one man has made on so many people that knew him personally and those who only knew him from a distance. As we strive daily to live in the image that God wants us to live, we all fall short, but God’s grace is sufficient. I thank the Lord for Paul’s faith and family values, and I believe that the many blessings GFS has experienced, is a result of this man, Paul Gordon, a true man after God’s own heart! Today, Heaven rejoices as a servant has come home.
~ Todd VanDuinen Family, May 12th, 2008We all met Paul Gordon and Family when they aquired the Henry Lee division , Although we never had the chance to work directly with him , it is an honor to work for a company with the philoshy and cornerstone values that Mr Gordon put in place and built Gordon Food Service company on . His has left behind a
~ Inventory Control Florida Division, May 12th, 2008great legacy . Thank you for all you have done , you have changed many lives and you will never be forgotten . Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family .
Mr. Paul Gordon, He was one of a kind!
Aithough, Paul was the president of the company he always treated you as a close personal friend. When ever he was out on the warehouse floor you could hear deep laughter heading your way. One of the things I remember the most about Paul was that he would always call you, your spouse, and your children by name. It seemed that any time there was a conversation with Paul he always used the words we, us, and ours never I.
We will carry on his spritual, family and company believes.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you very much!
Thion Charity
~ Thion Charity, May 12th, 2008I have worked for Gordon Food Service for over 5 years and I feel very thankful that I had the opportunity to meet Paul and know him, just a little bit. He spoke about the GFS family and company at my orientation. He struck up a conversation with me at a regional meeting in Indiana and was very interested in me and where I came from before starting with GFS. He then proceeded to tell me about his Grandfather and how he went back to being a pastor after Paul’s dad Ben got into the picture. I felt very priviledged to have him share some of his history of his family and he made me feel like I was the only one in the room when he talked to me. I thank God for this giant of a man who was just a kid who grew up around groceries all of his life. He truly eminated many good things and I know his legacy will live on through me and others who work for GFS as they think about his example and what he expected from his people every day. Compassionate, tough, loving, hard-working, relational, results-driven, godly, never giving up and a great man, this was Paul Gordon. Thank God for his life and legacy.
~ Kirk Severs, May 12th, 2008