Memories from Others:

1. Funny how one humble and loving man could touch so many lives - before and after death. After hearing our last directive from Paul, through his friend Ron Cline, it affected me, inspired me, changed me. The directive being, “I want to see you again”, rang through my head as Ron said it over and over again.

   I thought I couldn’t imagine GFS without Paul - but we’re all still here - working as hard as ever for the company that he loved. Now, the only thing that I can’t imagine is, Not Seeing Him Again!

   I will miss those huge smiles, big laughs, the twinkle in his eye and of course those warm hugs! Having Paul give you a hug when you walked on stage, saw him at a meeting, at a foodshow or in the hall was something I cherished as an employee - you don’t work for many people that you can say that about!!

   I can just imagine it up there right now - Paul looking around, shaking and scratching his head, explaining how much better the entrance of the Pearly Gates could be and how folks could get through so much quicker, with just a little automation! Paul saying, “But change is good, Lord!!” I smile just thinking about it!
   See you later, Paul!

   ~ Cherri Lockwood, May 15th, 2008

2. While Uncle Paul was my great uncle and I didn’t see him as often as I see my grandpa John and grandma Nancy, he was always the most thoughtful, wise and caring person that I saw when our families would get together. The laughter, the big smile, and the steady, powerful voice are what I will remember most about my uncle. I remember visiting him about a month ago and hearing all about his trip to Outback Steakhouse and the steak he ordered, and I also remember how much of an interest he took in every person he talked to; I guess as relatives, we were a bit spoiled just to talk to him as much as we did! His energy was unbelievable, and the love he had for those in his three families was tremendous; not only all my cousins and aunts and uncles and relatives, but his church family, and also his GFS family; I know he wants all three families together with him and God.

   ~ David Gordon, May 15th, 2008

3. John 15:2 - He cuts off every branch that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.
   A couple of days after my orientaion with GFS Marketplace I was working at the Wyoming Marketplace and heard someone call my name. When I turned to see who it was I saw it was Paul. I have to say I was a bit embarassed because I remembered him stopping by the oreintation but I couldn’t remember which of the Gordons he was, but he knew who I was. A few years later at the the grand opening of the Cascade Marketplace my step-father, who drove truck for GFS in the mid 60’s walked up and shook Pauls hand and Paul remembered who he was 30 years later. Once in a while Paul would to stop by the Cascade Marketplace to pick stuff up either on his way to home or even on his way to the airport (”you can’t visit someone without brining a gift of GFS steaks”). Everytime he did stop in he made a point of saying hi, talking with the associates and just catching up on how things where going with me. He was always a very positive person not looking to point out the negative but build on the positive.
   As I think back on these moments and read other peoples memories I can’t help but to think of the pruning that has been to Pauls branches because the fruit that is being produced is far better than any other fruit we will know.
   May God continue to bless the Gordon family the way that they have blessed us.

   ~ Chris Decker, May 15th, 2008

4. Thanks be to Paul for his trust.
   Thanks be to Paul for his humor and laughter.
   Thanks be to Paul for his faith.
   Thanks be to Paul for not judging.
   Thanks be to Paul for his friendship.
   Thanks be to Paul for his inpiration.
   Thanks be to Paul for leadership.
   Thanks be to Paul for his Christian company.
   Thanks be to Paul for his love of God’s people.

   Thanks be to God for Paul Gordon.

   With love, prayers and God’s strength to the entire Gordon family.

   ~ Tim and Sue Mehlberg and family, May 15th, 2008

5. Hello Dottie, Dan, Jim, Joyce and Connie….

   What a wonderful privilege it was for Barb and me to be with your family for the celebration and memories of “The Great Man”!
   Your whole family is such a statement about him! Thank you.
   I came away with several things I want to make sure my family has that I saw in your family.
   God has richly blessed you all and I count it an honor to know you.

   Thank you for your strong testimony!

   Ron Cline

   ~ Anonymous, May 15th, 2008

6. I used to work for Mr. and Mrs. Gordon in their home about seven or eight years ago. Without fail, every time I was there, Mr. Gordon had that wonderful, infectious smile on his face. He was quick to laugh and he loved to tease Mrs. Gordon. I enjoyed getting to know him a bit in the relaxed surroundings of the Gordon home and I count it a privilege to have known this gentle giant. Even in this time of sadness, what joy fills my heart to know that he is with the Father he so faithfully served. There is no doubt that he has heard those welcoming words…”Well done, My good and faithful servant”.

   ~ Sarah Bennor, May 15th, 2008

7. Paul Gordon was a Fruitful Man of Faith. We didn’t know him personally. We know the Man by his fruits. He established a Godly family and enterprise putting service above self-like His Savior, Jesus. We hope to spend some time together in eternity, ofcourse, over a banquet table of devine food.

   Kind Regards to the Family and Many Friends, God Bless You All.

   -Guy & Gloria Richardson
   Art’s Pizza & Italian Oven,
   Advance Employment Services,
   Ctizens for Traditional Values,
   Student Statesmanship Institute

   ~ Anonymous, May 15th, 2008

8. I am sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Gordon. Not only the loss of a great innovator in the foodservice industry; but mostly the loss of a great leader and humanitarian. I had the privilege of working for GFS. During that time I knew that the Gordon family had the best interests of my family and my co-workers in their heart and as part of their business model. I have kept a number of memoirs. My favorite is from Winners Circle 1994. I received a postcard about our destination; on the back was a handwritten script from Paul thanking me for my “stellar performance!”. I could not have asked for a greater compliment from a great man.

   God Speed Mr. Gordon

   ~ Anonymous, May 15th, 2008

9. Our prayers and sympathy to all members of the Gordon family.

   Even though we did not have day-to-day business interaction with Paul Gordon, his presence is felt in the entire Gordon organization. This company inspires all of us to be better business people. We are proud to be Gordon customers.

   ~ Valley Dairy Restaurants, May 15th, 2008

10. 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, May 15th, 2008

11. The first GFS food show I was ever to, Paul came on the bus at the end of the show and thanked all of us for coming. He has forever been in my heart since that day. For a man to own a company as large as GFS and to come on all of the buses to say thank you to each and everyone of us was truly amazing. Ever since I met Paul Gordon I have wanted to become an employee of GFS. I thought if the owner was that nice and thoughtful to his customers, he would really be someone I would like to work for. That was 18 years ago and I still do not work for GFS, but he will always be an inspiration to me.

    ~ Judy Mack Sprenger Retirement Centers, May 15th, 2008

12. I first met Paul Gordon when both of our companies were growing in the food service business. Paul wanted more products and I wanted some of those to be chicken. Our relationship grew and it was fun to be able to help service customers. Paul took care of business and one year I presented Paul with the Tyson blue blazer coat that had solid gold chicken buttons - a first for our company to a first class guy.

    Paul we’re going to miss you.

    ~ Don Tyson, May 15th, 2008

13. GFS kicked off a promotion last year: “Living It - Every Day/Everywhere.”
    There is no name that comes to my mind more than Pauls when I read the seven captions associated with this promotion:

    1. Giving to Those in Need
    2. Helping a Fellow Employee
    3. Lending a Hand
    4. Sharing Ideas
    5. Helping a Neighbor
    6. Working With Integrity
    7. Serving Others

    Paul left a huge torch for each of us to take a piece of and carry on. It is our obligation as Parents, Friends, Children and Co-Workers to fulfill what Paul envisioned.

    ~ Anonymous, May 15th, 2008

14. Paul Gordon was in for lunch a few months ago and even though I have been doing business with Gordons for years I felt I had a famous person in my place and I was telling all my servers who that was. I was so proud to have him in my place and he was so humble. I will miss him and the city seems a little lonier today. Thanks Paul Gordon for showing that businessmen and job creators like you are the good guys and you were one of the best.

    ~ Tommy Brann, May 15th, 2008

15. We send our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Gordon family. Paul was a true example of how important it is to use our time, talents, energy and attitude to make our world a better place. Over the past years we have had the opportunity to know Paul not only as a food supplier, but as a friend and supporter, for which we are deeply grateful. Paul and our founder, Erie Sauder, shared a common philosophy and value system, helping us understand and appreciate how deeply his presence will be missed. Please know that the Gordon family, including the extended GFS family, is in our thoughts and prayers.

    ~ The Management Team at Sauder Village, Archbold, Ohio, May 15th, 2008

16. For so many years I have had the pleasurre of being a GFS customer. I have always wondered at the comment for honesty and sservice the company had. I think of the man who set the example and know that he must be a man of great faith and one who cared about his fellow man. Gods blessings has been with on the compnay and I will be looking to the futurre.

    ~ Loretta Curry, La Premier catering, May 15th, 2008

17. Fond memories of Paul will last me for the rest of my life. I will always be thankful for the way he reached out to me in times of struggle. He was an inspiration for my entire career and I truely feel blessed that many years ago he welcomed me into this company.

    ~ Dave Prince, May 15th, 2008

18. I only had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Gordon one time, but in those few minutes of saying hello, and taking a picture with him and his wife Dottie , i was truly honored. I told him “thankyou for changing my life for my family and me “. he replied to me and said with a warm smile “no, thankyou”. what a wonderful man. spingfield d.c.

    ~ james sayers and family, May 15th, 2008

19. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”
    Psalm 32:8

    ~ JF LAMER, representant distal-montreal, May 15th, 2008