Memories from Others:

1. Paul,
   Thank you for creating an Environment and Culture that will forever be “unique” in the
   Food Service World.

   A “Great Lesson” can be learned by other Business Leaders as to how they “Give BacK”
   to their employees.

   The “Torch of Excellence” has been passed to each of us at Gordon Food Service.

   We are “Better People” having “Experienced” Paul Gordon!!!

   ~ East Tenn. Comm.Sales, May 13th, 2008

2. Heaven received an angel and until we meet again, we have all lost a great friend and mentor. It was a pleasure to get to speak to you at our annual meeting in December, your laugh and humility will stay with me forever. Thank you Paul for all that you have done.

   ~ Krisi Cooper, Pittsburgh, May 13th, 2008

3. Paul had the ability to take the complexities out of business, and simplified the organization to where as people could take action, which created contagious energy, all focused around customers and employees…..This is a people business ! Take care of the customers or someone else will ! I must of heard this a hundred times.

   Take care of the employees. I learned you need to know this business , take a person let them learn the business, than move them to where they could lead the organization. Every employee is an important part of the team, show them you care , thank them.

   Faith & family need to be in the center of lifes wheel , if not the wheel wobbles and your out of balance.

   Be humble, before honor there must be humility

   I feel fortunate to have experienced these prinicples that have become my memories of Paul.

   GOD BLESS

   ~ Anonymous, May 13th, 2008

4. i can remeber when I started out at GFS. I was working at our Plymouth branch. One Thursday morning I started my route a little late. Just as I was getting in my truck to start my deliveries, a man approched me and asked if i was having problems. I told him no, I just have customers that are not there early. He introduced himself to me and shook my hand. I will always remember that hand shake. I thought he was going to break my hand, and I have pretty good grip. We talked several min. He told me he was happy to have me aboard. It was a few years later that I met him at the annual metting. He remembered me by name. When my daughter died a got a call from Paul at my home telling me how sorry he was to hear the news. It is amazing what kind of person he was. I know he touched us all, and he will missed tremendously.
   My prayers and thoughts go out to his entire family.
   Thank You Paul!!

   ~ Jerry Schemanski Brighton night dispatch, May 13th, 2008

5. After tonight’s memorial I felt compelled to express some of my thoughts about Paul Gordon. I have been part of the GFS Family since I was 10 years old. My dad started with GFS back in 1974 and I would tag along with him to work sometimes. I turned 16 and my dad somehow persuaded GFS to hire me part-time. I have worked there ever since celebrating my 25th year with the company just last October. I talked to many people at the reception afterward and was somewhat taken aback that some of the people that knew Paul and the family by the works that he did through his Christian ministry really didn’t know much about GFS Inc. I thought at first how could this be. But I thought to myself and soon realized what I had known all along that Paul Gordon was a man who did not go around bragging about himself or the great company that he had lead for most of his life. His life work really was for Jesus Christ. That’s what he wanted to talk to people about and wanted them to know about.

   Another story that I would like to share is about a year ago Paul asked me to speak at the Ohio Valley division sales and marketing meeting. This was the most proud moment in my career to be asked to speak on the same stage as Paul Gordon. I will never forget this event the rest of my life. One of the funny things about this story is that I was asked to speak but I was not told what to speak about. Being a bit nervous about this I asked my boss who shall remain nameless but sometimes is called the Big Tuna, he says don’t worry about it I’m sure Paul will let you know. I said maybe you won’t worry about this but I’m getting pretty worked up at this point. So I decided to leave Paul a voicemail outlining what I intended to talk about. I told him I would talk about the history of automation at GFS. I received a voice mail back that worried me even further. He wanted me to talk about myself! Now I’m really sweating! It goes to show you that this man did not care about the systems or the physical things of GFS. He cared about the people that made up GFS. He was not interested in a speech about his company; he was interested about a speech about me. Thank you for that opportunity and it something I will never forget. Thank you for all the opportunities that I have had working for GFS.

   Thank you Paul! As many have said Well Done, Well Done.

   ~ Mark, Diane and Family, May 13th, 2008

6. When Pamm and I think of Paul Gordon we visualize a happy, warm soul who without hesitation gave of himself. No matter who you were or what you did he made you feel like part of the family. He always had a quick smile and an even more quick comeback. A story that would be a good example this took place on a trip hosted by Paul and Dottie that Pamm and I were lucky enough to go on. One of the activities was deep sea fishing. We went out for a few hours and received a few nibbles, but caught nothing to bring back. Upon reaching shore, Paul paid the tour guide who asked about a tip. Paul’s response was I have a tip for you, catch more fish! A good man will be missed here on earth but will be welcomed in the House of the Lord.

   ~ Pamm and Rudy Booker, May 13th, 2008

7. To the Gordon Family, I’ve been with GFS Canada for ll years in sales service. In 2001 I won my first gold club member. We had the opportunity to visit GFS in Grand Rapids. While we were there Paul made a point to sit with us for part of the evening and all the Gordon’s couldn’t do enough to make us feel welcomed. I am grateful to be part of the GFS team and to help carry on your values and traditions. Me and my family are deeply sorry for your loss, Paul will be deeply missed by all. Our prayers are with the Gordon family.

   ~ DARWIN RENSHAW, May 13th, 2008

8. Paul Gordon is a mountain of a man. He is physically gone from us, but his love, care and faith will be with all of us forever. My husband, Bill, works for GFS, but Paul even knew MY name. We would always wait for the Christmas hello, how are you and that great hug & kiss! Those early Christmas dinners were very wonderful when we all fit in one big room and Paul was able to give each a greeting. I love the photo I have of Paul and our son, Phil, at the open house for the warehouse in Brighton. Paul asked me where Bill was? Well, Bill was working 6 days a week with the produce run, so Phil and I came alone. I could see that really made Paul sad. He said he was sorry. I was happy to get a smile from him when I told him that was alright. Phil and I were enjoying the festivities. We will remember Paul always. We are SURE he rests in peace.

   ~ Bill and Mary Alt, May 13th, 2008

9. There are many memories of Paul Gordon. The one that plays over and over again for me was when I was at home recovering from major surgery. The phone rang and I heard that deep voice say,”Alex” I immediately knew who it was. He expressed that he was praying for a full recovery for me and to have faith that all will work out. As the pastor stated at his memorial, Paul was precious. He will be missed for many years to come.

   ~ Anonymous, May 13th, 2008

10. It was such a pleasure to meet and spend time talking with Paul. Even though we became part of GFS only about eight years ago, Paul and the Gordon Family treated us from day one as if we had been part of the GFS family since the begininng of the company. What a great company, family, and man. Paul will truly be missed on this Earth but is being welcomed in Heaven. The Gordon Family is in our thoughts and prayers.

    ~ Central States Division, May 13th, 2008

11. What a priviledge it has been to know Paul. From the first time I met him where he was introduced to us at Neptune Food Service I was truly impressed with what I saw and heard. Paul had a unique gift whereby when he spoke, you knew what he said was TRUTH. Having been through several acquisitions, when the Gordon’s arrived it immediately felt like home. Thank-you for your values, thank-you for your commitment, and thank-you for the trust that you have placed in us to continue the Legacy that is Gordon Food Service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gordon Family.

    ~ Bill Hinksman - Multi Unit Sales Manager - GFS Neptune Food Service, May 13th, 2008

12. There’s a song I listen to on a local Christian radio station that has the words, “there’s a God shaped hole in all of us” well today, there’s a “Paul shaped hole” in the many, many people that he touched. Thank you God for sharing Paul with us and for the continued legacy that is the Gordon family.

    ~ Mike Kahl, Columbus, Ohio, May 13th, 2008

13. Actions say more than words - Paul Gordon truly was one who walked his talk! While working at Gull Lake Ministries, I had the privilege of getting to know Paul & Dottie. God blessed us with having Paul serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Gull Lake and was a great influence and encouragement to us staff. I have alot of memories of Paul, but one stands out during the early summer of 1993. Paul had come into the Fellowship Center to talk with someone in the office. Evidently Paul had been painting his dock at their summer home and it looked like most of the paint had gotten on him! A couple of us at the front desk commented on his decorative appearance and he stopped, looked himself over, said “shhh, don’t tell my wife”, chuckled (that deep laugh of his) and walked into the office. Many times I would hear Paul’s laugh before I saw him. His life was a rich blessing to many! We will miss him at Berean Baptist, but rejoice that he is with the Lord!

    ~ JoAnn Hardie, May 13th, 2008

14. I would like to express my sincere sympathy to all of the Gordon Family for their loss.

    My first impression was right after I started at GFS and came to my first Annual Meeting… Paul made a point to come up and thank me for coming since I had only been employeed for a few months…(I thought I should be thanking him) I introduced him to my guest and got seated for dinner.. after the meeting when I was leaving Paul came up to me and once again and thanked us for coming by name. I was so impressed that he would not only remember me by name by my guest also.

    In reading all the messages it amazes me how many people Paul has been able to inspire and motivate, actually touch the heart of everyone he came in contact with. He was the most personable person, leaving everyone the feeling of meeting a true friend from the first time you met him.

    I have read a lot about his shoes in these messages… they are some big ones to fill!!

    ~ Amy Klooster, May 13th, 2008

15. I first met Paul at Kabinakagami Lake in Northern Ontario.He had joined Keith Maxwell and a group of about 20 managers from the old Sveden House Smorgasbord chain for a week of fishing and fellowship.

    Paul wound up catching the biggest fish of the week-a Northern Pike that came in at a little over 24 pounds.To say he was excited was a severe understatement!

    Fast forward to 1997 when I decided to ‘hitch my wagon’ to the Gordon’s. I am greeted by Paul at our orientation and reminded him that we had met back in 1983. I did not even get a chance to finish when he said “that was some fish-it had to weigh at least 28 pounds!”Amazingly, everytime I ran into Paul after that, that fish got bigger!

    I would be willing to bet that as he was greeted by our Lord and Saviour, that fish is now over 40 pounds!

    Reading all of the memories everyone has of Paul really drives home how blessed we are all to have been touched by him.

    God bless you, my friend!

    Bob Metzger

    ~ Anonymous, May 13th, 2008

16. My father is approaching his 30th anniversary with GFS, so for years I heard recaps of annual meetings that as child sounded glamorous and magical but the stories that impacted me the most were the ones that my parents told similar to those that have been shared by so many people already. Its the admiration and appreciation that my parents had for the Gordon family and company that lead me to become part of this company myself. And even though I’ve only been here 11 years, in that time, the stories have took upon a new meaning as I’ve witnessed them first hand and I’m so blessed to hold those in my heart. I’m so thankful to Gordon family and everyone in this company that their really are no words to express the gratitude that I have. I’ll treasure my personal stories of Mr. Gordon forever and even though we’re mourning the loss of such a great man, I’m inspired by his life and what he stood for. And again I find myself thankful.

    ~ Anonymous, May 13th, 2008

17. I worked at Gull Lake for the four years that I was a student at Cornerstone and I remember Paul and Dottie and their family being around all summer long. But one memory from 15 years ago–the silliest memory–sticks out.

    I forget now who the speaker for the week was, but Paul and Dottie invited all of the staff to their cottage to talk to this man and to just relax. And I remember, at one point, that this man who owned this huge company–I think I ate food from Gordon’s for my entire academic career, from grade school through college–and whose name was on the music building at my school, walked over to his freezer and asked if anyone wanted ice cream. Being, as we were, always-hungry college students, the answer was “Yes!” And Paul reached in, pulled out a box of ice cream bars and began tossing them underhand until everyone in the room had one.

    Just a silly memory…but one that has stuck in my brain all this time.

    ~ Kristen Roberts, May 13th, 2008

18. Gordon food shows were always a special treat when we would run into Paul. He was truly a man with a big heart whom I will remember for many years to come. To read the many memories printed here makes me appreciate Paul even more. My prayers are with Dottie and the Gordon family at this time of loss. God bless!

    ~ Sr. Janet Marie Smith, SND, May 13th, 2008

19. never did meet him directll,but got the chance to lsten to him speak at the ohio valley annual meeting back in december. he was very funny made us all feel proud to be a part of this company.
    gfs has helped me become a better man, thank you paul!!

    ~ mark koyl springfield chain accts, May 13th, 2008

20. Gibby and I met Paul I belive for the first time at the annual meeting in 2002. We were celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary that day and Paul came up to us and congratulated us on our anniversary and talked to us about how long we had been married and how great that was for the times.
    It was a short visit but it really meant a lot to us for him to take the time to talk with us.
    Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the entire Gordon Family and employees who loved him and will miss him so much.

    ~ Gibby and Missy Smith, May 13th, 2008

21. I consider myself luck to have meet Paul, thanks to a Canadian merger of Finlay Greenwood and GFS. When we meet he was very warm, caring, and asked a lot of questions. How long had I been in the business, what roles had I played, was I married, how many kids etc. I thought that was really nice, as I was one of several hundred people here in Ontario. Can you imagine my feelings when we went to the next GFS food show in Grand Rapids and he walked up , called me by name and asked how my son was doing. How could he have possible remembered all of that from one meeting. Paul continued over the next 10 years to always impress me, along with all the Gordon family.
    I am truly sorry for your loss, my condolences to all in the family. Paul will always remain in my mind as a individual to look up to.

    ~ Randy Smith ICP East, May 13th, 2008

22. As a newer person to GFS, I only got to meet Paul at Orientation in Grand Rapids, and at the last few Annual Meetings. I feel fortunate to work for a company that lives the culture that Paul and the Gordon Family created, where people really do matter. At the last Annual Meeting, my wife and I were so taken with Paul and his warmth and genuineness in that he took the time to greet us and talk to us like we were his long-time friends. It is so touching to read all the wonderful comments and tributes to Paul. It is evident that he made a positive impact on everyone he met.

    Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Gordon Family as they mourn the loss of Paul. His legacy and spirit will live on in the many people that he touched and influenced.

    ~ Scott Tulloch, GFS Marketplace, May 13th, 2008

23. I had the pleasure of first knowing Paul as “Erin’s Grandpa”, an enthusiastic and vocal supporter of the gymnastics team for which Erin competed and I coached. A couple of years later, I was blessed to join GFS. I was about 7 months pregnant at the time. Many times in the late (and large!) stages of my pregnancy, Paul would come by my desk to ask if today was the day I would do some cartwheels for him. He never waited for a response, just left me with a smile and the sound of his infectious, booming laughter as he made his way back to his office.

    I was lucky enough to work with and interact with Paul for years. Like many others, he touched me each time with his love, warmth, generosity, humor, humility, and his faith. Although he will be deeply missed, I will cherish the memories I have of him and the lessons I learned from his example. Thank you for sharing him with all of us!

    My prayers and sympathy to all of the Gordon family.

    ~ Tami Jacobs, May 13th, 2008

24. I have enjoyed reading all of these wonderful tributes to Paul and the Gordon family. Being an employee of 13 years, I never thought I would be employed for the same company for so many years. Hearing stories about other companies makes me realize how lucky I am to work for GFS. It is a joy to work for a Christian-centered organization. Paul will be missed, but never forgotten.

    To all the Gordons, may God bless all of you. Your family will be forever in our prayers. Thank you for making me a better person than before I worked for GFS.

    “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
    Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

    ~ Susan and Kurt Heemstra, May 13th, 2008

25. God gave us life.
    God endowed each of us with free-will.
    God’s hope and vision of the true greatness that could be man,
    came to life in the radiance that was Paul Gordon.
    He was the perfect vessel.
    His goodness lives in each of us.

    ~ Orrin Sharp, May 13th, 2008

26. Considering the number of people who have been here 20+ years, I am just a young buck at Gordon Food Service. I have been here just 10 months now, but I never take a day for granted, and I hope I never will…after many stops along my career path, I know that I am truly “home” here at GFS. It was not too long ago that I went through “New Employee Orientation” with Kevin Jurek and about 20 other new employees. Paul came in on that first day of orientation, and spent about 45 minutes with us, regaling us with stories about the companies history. Paul’s personality was so incredibly infectious! He would laugh harder at his own jokes than we would, but then we would all be laughing because of his laughing! I have many friends here at GFS, and I had the opportunity to contract here for a while before being hired full-time, so I knew how lucky I was to work for such an incredible company. In my current role, I have the joy of hiring new employees. A common question is “What do you know about GFS?” Amidst the answers to that question, I will always hear “I’ve heard GFS is a great place to work.” My immediate response to that is “You have no idea! And should YOU be so lucky to make GFS part of your career, like I have, you will know what I am talking about!” Thank you, thank you, thank you. God’s blessings upon the whole Gordon family during this time.

    ~ Jon Krueger, May 13th, 2008

27. J’ai eu l’honneur de rencontrer m. Paul Gordon à quelques reprises depuis les 14 dernières années et à chaque fois, je devenais encore plus fière de faire partie de la famille Gordon en tant qu’employée. Je me rappelle son rire et sa bonne humeur continuelle, sa façon unique de nous raconter les anecdotes de sa vie bien remplie. Il est un modèle pour moi et pour beaucoup d’entre nous. J’aimerais partager mes sympathies à chacun des membres de sa famille.

    ~ Isabelle Lavoie, Distal Québec, May 13th, 2008

28. We can’t know why some things happen…but we can know that love and beautiful memories outlast the pain of grief. And, we can know that there’s a place inside the heart where love lives always…and where nothing beautiful can ever be forgotten. If I’ve learned anything down through the years, it’s that nothing beautiful in this world is ever really lost - - - Those we cherish will always live on in memory.

    Paul’s legacy and character will live in our hearts forever with your Gordon Food Service family. God bless you and your family, Paul.

    Debbie Kauffman
    GLED Dispatch

    ~ Debbie Kauffman, May 13th, 2008

29. There are so many wonderful memories shared here of Paul. I have one that is more personal than business related. I am the third generation in my family to work at GFS. My grandfather started working for the company in the 1950’s and my father in the 1970’s, myself in 1993, my mom in 1996 and my brother worked a couple of summers in the warehouse. My best memory of Paul is that he came to my gramp’s funeral and spoke about the experiences my grampa had at GFS. This was a totally unplanned event in the middle of the funeral but Paul had us all laughing with the stories he told. I learned many things about my grampa that day and his work at GFS that I didn’t know. What other company leader would take time out his busy day and come to a retired employees funeral and speak just because he wanted to? I know my grampa and Paul are now in heaven laughing together.

    ~ Amy (Erbes) Westphal, May 13th, 2008

30. Just knowing Paul as well as I did is a great Blessing in my life. Paul was a role model in every sense of the word. He is the greatest leader I knew- greatly compassionate but very tough minded and focused on doing the best possible. He inspired me to be a better GFS employee, Father and Christian. There were many times that I was motivated by just not wanting to ever disappoint Paul. Thank you for the difference you have made in my life.

    Paul, you will be missed but your legacy will live on forever.

    ~ Kirk Zell, May 13th, 2008

31. I remember starting at GFS almost 14 years ago fresh out of college at 22. It was at orientation that I met Paul Gordon and found him to be one of the most geniune people I had ever met. Talking to him through the years has only reinforced that fact of how much Paul truly cared for his employees. Thanks Paul for allowing me to get to know you and your family well.

    ~ John Scanlon, May 13th, 2008

32. Paul was a very genuine, driven, and compassionate man - traits difficult to find all in one person. I’ll never forget receiving a call from him on my cell phone while driving to work. I hadn’t been with GFS long, but was impressed that he would take the time to call me personally to see how I was doing and, of course, ask the status of a project ;). I also had the great privilege of spending an evening with Paul and the Graphics team at Gull Lake Ministries. We enjoyed every moment with him, even racing a thunderstorm back to shore via pontoon boat! It is evident in any GFS employee you meet that his legacy is in the hearts of all. Thank you Gordon family for sharing him with us and thank you Paul for all that you did for us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may there be peace in the comfort of friends and family.

    ~ Michelle Alster, May 13th, 2008

33. Being with Gordon Food Service for over 21 years, I have had the pleasure to interact with Paul on many occasions. My wife Jan & I even had the honor of being part of a trip that Paul and Dottie hosted. What great memories I have of that. But the one memory that stands out was when my wife’s father was ill with cancer and it appeared that his illness would prevent Jan & I from going on a Gordon trip. Paul took the time to call me at home to see how Jan’s dad was doing and how we were doing. He also assured us if we were not able to join them on this trip that he wanted us to join them on the next one. His love for his “work” family was always apparent and it’s why working for GFS all these years have been a privilage. I know that Paul is with our Lord and Savior and that we have the comfort to know we will see him again.

    ~ Rob Ritter, May 13th, 2008

34. Dear Dottie and family,
    Kim and I have so many great memories of Paul at the Conference. We appreciated his warmth and the time he would spend just seeing how we were and his interest in our involvement with HCJB. Thank you for all the work that has gone into Gull Lake Ministries as a result of your efforts. It has been a blessing to our family for many years. His legacy will live on for years to come. Thank you.

    John and Kim Talmage
    Gull Lake, Michigan

    ~ John and Kim Talmage, May 13th, 2008

35. What a pleasure it is to know Paul and the may things he stood for. After telling some of my customers about the news some of them told me they meet him at some of the food shows and told me that he would talk to them like he knew them personly. How friendly and down to earth he was. I told them thats how he is. A wonderful man and family the Gordon’s are. So proud to be working for. Thoughts and prayers go out to all. God Bless

    ~ Joe Poli and family, May 13th, 2008

36. The 5th chapter of 2 Corinthians says that we store our treasures in jars of clay, speaking about the fragile nature of our lives and how we are charged to do the best we can to please God before we go to our permanent homes. Every meeting that I attended or each time that I came in contact with Paul, it was evident that his main priority was to be the hands and feet of Christ. He was more interested in the salvation of his employees that he was the bottom line.

    ~ Anonymous, May 13th, 2008

37. To those of us that had the opportunity to meet and talk with Paul share something together that will be lasting. He was a kind, thoughtful, and approachable person. I had the honour of receiving an award from Paul almost ten years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. He was truly interested in my career at GFS, and we talked later in the evening about family. Although I am no longer at GFS I will always miss the culture that Paul brought to the sales staff and the entire GFS team. He is respected by everyone in the foodservice industry in Canada and US. His return visits to sales meetings were always looked upon by everyone as a treat. He was a positive influence on myself and all those around him. He will be missed and remembered by all. May God bless

    ~ Harry Anderson, May 13th, 2008

38. My first introduction to Paul came in 1978 when I was hired into the Payroll Department at Gordon’s, I actually was first introduced to his booming laughter, and then to his smiling face. I don’t think I ever saw him when he didn’t have a smile and a kind word for me. My daughter Mary also worked for Gordons while training to accomplish her dreams and got to know Paul quite well while on the mail runs. Mary and I will always be thankful that we were allowed the prvilege of knowing him and will forever remember the wonderful man that was Paul Gordon.

    ~ Jan & Mary Hamming, May 13th, 2008

39. As a son-in-law, I can sincerely attest that Paul was everything one could want a father-in-law to be. He included me in his family like I was one of his own sons. Continually involved in all aspects of our lives and those of our children, he was a constant source of joy and encouragement. Paul always reflected Christ’s character, providing a legacy for each of us in living our lives in a manner “worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way,” (Col 1:10). He taught through example and deed, though when requested he readily shared his wisdom with full transparency and honesty, and always with self-deprecating humor and wit.
    Though Paul was undoubtedly a genius in business, he wasn’t much with a hammer, baseball bat, or anything requiring coordination. So we all knew he was happy to step aside and let us do our roles as husbands and fathers, while he provided encouragement and support – lots of it, and loudly!

    Even in his death he included us in the struggles and pains, the planning and preparations, the blessings and indignities of separating the spiritual from the physical body. We’ve had wonderful times to reflect and give thanks for countless memories of close times together, of love and acceptance, of joy and inspiration for a life well lived. The reminders of that life, through the thoughtful inputs from each of you on this blog, are a source of encouragement and joy for each of the family members. Thank you for your words.

    ~ Ron Williams, May 13th, 2008

40. Dear Gordon Family-

    I met Paul for the first time in 2001, when I first started with the company. I had the pleasure of getting to know Paul on a flight to Columbus, Ohio. Paul Dilcher seated me next to Paul on the trip so I could answer any questions he about the project. Paul asked me several questions so he could be well prepared for the meeting. But we also talked a lot about our families. What struck me most about Paul was his kindness and his love for each person he met that night. Later that night driving home, I remember thinking to myself how can such a caring person also run such a large successful company. It took me a while to realized how he did this, but he led his life the way Jesus wants all of us to live our lives. His intense Faith in God, Family and his fellow man lead him to not only to be successful on this earth but to be successful on his journey to be with Jesus our Savior.

    Thank you Paul for touching my life and many others.

    ~ Anonymous, May 13th, 2008

41. It isn’t often in one’s life that you cross paths with someone that has such an amazing impact on you, and Paul Gordon has certainly been that for me. When my husband Bruce joined GFS almost 10 years ago, I had no idea what an incredible journey I was in for as a spouse. When Bruce was Person of the Year several years ago, we journey to Spain with Paul and Dottie as his award trip. Spending time getting to know each of them may have been, for me, the highlight and greatest gift of the trip. Paul had the ability to reach into your heart and grab it. One cannot help but to completely adore and admire him–as a man, leader, father, spouse and follower of God. I will completely miss the sparkle in his eyes and boom of his laugh. He has left us with many preciuos memories that we can all keep in our hearts. Thank you to Dottie, Dan, and Jim for sharing him with all of us. Each of you and your families will continue to be in our prayers and have our support.

    ~ Melissa Withrow, May 13th, 2008

42. Prior to becomming a GFS employee in January of 1994, I worked for Maple Leaf Foods for almost 24 years and was alarmed and concerned when I learned that our Food Service Division was being sold to a U.S. Company that I had never heard of. What a scary decision after so many years…transfer out of Food Service and go back to my old location at Maple Leaf or hang in there and hope that the new company will retain me as an employee. There were “armies” of GFS representatives visiting us in Ontario from Grand Rapids showing us videos and singing the praises of Gordon Food Service. This company simply sounded too good to be true…are there really organizations out there that care that much about their employees? I was not 100% convinced that the values of this “new” company were not mere words on paper until I had the unbelievable pleasure of meeting and spending a short while with Paul Gordon at the GFS Ontario open house in Milton. For all of us that day, it was love at first sight — he played with the children, had his picture taken with many people, and was genuinely interested in everyone he came in contact with — and seemed to really enjoy the ice cream! What a wonderful man! My thoughts and prayers are with the Gordon Family who, over the years, have inspired me to always want the best for this company and its valued employees. Thank You, and God Bless.

    ~ Janice Tonna, Canada (aye), May 13th, 2008

43. I’ve only been with GFS for 11 years, that may seem like a long time to some, but not at GFS. I have come to understand why we have so many 20 plus year veterans at this company - its the GFS Culture that has been so wonderfully nurtured by John & Paul. I didn’t realize at the time I started what a blessing I had rec’d when I was hired, this is a truly special organization and made that way through the efforts of the Gordon Family, and especially Paul. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to have had lunch with him a couple of times, him making the effort to get to know me - because he cared so much about people. I will never forget his humility, kindness, charity, and infectious laugh. Thank you Paul for your living testimony of human kindness and most importanty your walk with Christ. I so apprecited your boldness in sharing your faith in Jesus Christ and now you are welcomed to your Heavanly home in the arms of your Saviour. My thoughts and prayers are with the rest of the family - may God’s grace & comfort carry your through until you can all be together again. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has put in Paul’s charge when we all get to Glory.

    ~ Anonymous, May 13th, May 13th, 2008

44. Along with the hundreds of others that have shared their feelings about Paul Gordon, we too want to extend to you the Gordon family our heartfelt sympathy in the Homegoing of Paul Gordon. What a legacy he has left. Our granddaughter was so blessed to have been the dietician at GF and loved working there until she was married and moved away from GR.Also our nephew works there and his feeling is the same.May God’s comfort give you the strength to carry on until we all meet at our Father’s feet. What a day it will be!!
    Love in Him, Betty and Bob Kregel

    ~ Anonymous, May 13th, 2008

45. I had the honor to speak with Paul several times over the years and my wife also had the same pleasure. After each conversation we would walk away happy and proud to be part of the Gordon family of employees. We’d also walk away with the understanding that we had just talked with a very special person. We both will miss Paul, but we know that he is already with our Lord.

    Early last fall, I was shopping at Forest Hills Foods about 5:30 on a Friday when I heard someone behind me bark “Shouldn’t you be at Work?” I knew who it was even before I jerked around to see Paul staring at me (first) and then smiling at me (second). I approached him wondering if I should mention my name or reference what department I was in to help him out. Then he said “how’s your sister doing?” and I quickly realized how foolish I would have been saying something. (My sister Patti was one of the first female CDS’s with GFS and she also married a CDS). It was just a brief conversation, but one that I’ll long remember. And when I pulled out of the parking lot, I absolutely thought about returing to work vs. going home to relax!

    ~ Mike Pavek, May 13th, 2008

46. Tanya and I had the pleasure of meeting Paul on a GFS trip in 1989. He was truly one of a kind person, displayed genuine care and concern for all his employees. He approached Tanya as a member of the GFS family, called her by her first name and also asked about all for our 4 children by name, and than continued to thank us for all we did for GFS and truly made us feel like we helped make GFS make a difference with all of our customers. We thank Paul and the rest of the Gordon Family for helping us be the family we are today by sharing their values and beliefs on how we all can serve each other. May God Bless Paul, Dottie and all the Gordons.

    ~ Duane Baldwin, May 13th, 2008

47. There are so many good things that one can remember about Mr Gordon . For me it was always his welcoming smile, firm handshake and genuine concern for whoever he was talking to. I continue to be amazed at how he and his family always make you feel important . A genuine individual who I feel privileged to of met . Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gordon Family .

    ~ Cliff and Corinne Baker, May 13th, 2008

48. I had the pleasure of meeting Paul and Dottie at this years annual meeting for the first time. What an experience!! He was truly a great man and touched many lives throughout his life on earth. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gordon Family. God Bless all of you and the entire family..

    ~ Dave Best, Charleston, WV, May 13th, 2008

49. The first time I met Paul Gordon was in my orientation. He introduced himself and asked about my family. He was genuinely interested. His stories he told were so great. Paul was such a people person and I will always remember him. His family is in my prayers. I am thankful I had the chance to meet Paul Gordon.

    ~ Cindy K., May 13th, 2008

50. We would like to extend our condolences to Dotie and the rest of the Gordon family. God rest and keep him. He will be missed.

    ~ Tom, Larry, and Kevin Walter Tasty Catering, May 13th, 2008

51. I first met Paul Gordon in 1996 and was inspired by his sense of humour and the way he cared about people. He makes people feel special and was a great leader.

    My thoughts are with the Gordon Family.

    Céline Lemieux, HR director, Distal Montréal.

    ~ Anonymous, May 13th, 2008