Memories from Others:

1. As I have spent amost my entire adult life at GFS that means that I have spent almost my entire adult life under the influence of Paul Gordon and the Gordon family. I can think of no better way here on earth to be influenced. Paul’s example in all walks of life set the example for us all to strive towards. I consider myself indeed blessed to have known such a great man.

   And Paul…you are so right…General Sherman was a great general even if the folks in Savannah don’t agree.

   ~ Barry Bates, May 16th, 2008

2. Thank you, Paul, for your bold faith. For reminding us that it’s not just about selling food, but that there is a higher purpose in all of life. And to the family, thank you for demonstrating these same values every day. You are such a blessing to all of us. Thank you, Kara, for sharing your thoughts at the funeral, how it was Jesus in Paul’s life that we were all so attracted too. May God comfort every one of you and give you His peace as you adjust to this time when Paul is with his heavenly Father.

   ~ Rose Gutschow, May 16th, 2008

3. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gordon at several G.F.S. food shows. What a pleasure to talk with him! Our depest sympathy to his family at this time.

   ~ Harry and Patsy Hill Papa's Deli, May 16th, 2008

4. The day that George Marsh hired me, he took me to the row offices upstairs at 333 just to see if there was anyone in that he could introduce me to. Now as a 21 year old, I was pretty impressed already and we met Jack Schultz and a couple of other folks….then around the corner came Paul…within 10 seconds of meeting him, I knew that this where I wanted to be! He truly wanted to know my story of how I had ended up there, that day,at GFS. I still remember how important and Welcome he made me feel that day. Paul’s example of how to truly be a good and humble man has influenced countless people over the years. I feel truly blessed to have known him.
   Our prayers are with the entire Gordon Family; may you find strength in the many wonderful memories you all share.

   ~ Frank Buttermore / Green Oak Transportation, May 16th, 2008

5. Paul reminded me of my own Dad who was born in the same era. Confident, Patriotic, a God-serving family man. Those two were a very much alike. I will remember Paul’s firm handshakes, speaking my name and that big laugh every time I saw him. Just being around him made you want to strive to do a better job…be a better person. They don’t make men like that these days. Men like that are the ones whose shoulders we stand on, and who support our children and our children’s children. They were, without a doubt, the greatest generation.

   ~ Don Richerson, May 16th, 2008

6. A few years ago, GFS had a contest to see who the Biggest Nascar Fan was. The winner won 2 tickets to the big race on Sunday and passes to the hospitality tent to meet Michael Waltrip and some other drivers. Well, it turns out that I ended up being the Biggest Nascar Fan because I had a ton of stuff with me, including a life-size cardboard cutout of Elliot Saddler. What kids do for free tickets :o) Anyway, when we arrived at the hospitality tent the morning of the race, to meet the drivers, my husband was pretty disappointed that he couldn’t get any of their autographs. He was just like a kid in a candy store with absolutely no money in his pockets. So, my husband approached Paul with a big smile on his face and said, “Since I can’t get the driver’s autographs can I get yours?” Paul returned the smile and gladly signed the GFS cooler that my husband handed him. Thank you Paul, you made my husband’s day. You will be remembered always!

   ~ Cindy Mason, Cash Management, May 16th, 2008

7. You’re in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

   Tim and Nancy Stroosnyder
   Fry Daddy’s
   Lowell, MI

   ~ Anonymous, May 16th, 2008

8. I have worked at GFS for only 6 months. I had never met Paul but I heard a lot of stories about him. I must say that working at GFS has been the best job I have ever had and never intend to leave. I believe the company is what it is because of Paul’s servant-leadership.

   As I sat in the blue building Tuesday, I listened very carefully to what Paul’s children and grandchildren were saying. It is evident that Paul raised his family under God’s principles and raised his business in the same way. It is refreshing to see someone use his influence more than his affluence to communicate love, not only to his family, but also to his employees.

   I must also compliment Paul’s granddaughter Kara on her message. For me, there was not a more powerful message than her last few sentences. To paraphrase, she said that it wasn’t Paul himself that drew you to him, it was the Savior he serves. It is because he followed Jesus’ example that people were drawn to and loved Paul.

   Like I said, I never met Paul and I now see that it is my loss.

   To the Gordon family, God bless you and may He be your comfort during this time.

   ~ Neil Moore, May 16th, 2008

9. I still remember how I felt (back in 2002) when Paul Gordon shared his story, (the GFS story), with us during our New Employee Orientation. He spoke with such honesty and warmth; I immediately felt part of the GFS family.

   May God be glorified by the way in which Paul lived his life — with integrity, generosity and severanthood.
   He has been an inspiration to us all and will truly be missed!

   ~ Jennifer Walk, May 16th, 2008

10. I will always remember when they implemented the policy that you had to have your badge on to get in the building and when I was coming into work at the 333 bld- who was standing out side the door but Paul waiting to get it!! “I said, you know, I’m not supposed to let you in with out your badge!!” to which he replied, you are right!! I just smiled and said, I bet we can make an exception for you!! Paul was a special person and it reminds me why I am so fortunate to work for such an amazing company. Peace be with you Mr Gordon. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten!

    ~ Cari Hartman, May 16th, 2008

11. I was lucky enough to meet Paul last December at the Ohio Valley Annual Meeting and I will never forget that day! Since I joined the company in 2006, it was only my second Annual Meeting and I had brought my Mother as my guest. I introduced myself to Paul and then turned to introduce my Mother and he exclaimed, “This must be your sister, how lovely to meet you!” What a charmer! After our brief conversation, I said to my Mother what a blessing it was to meet such a wonderful man who was so sincere and kind to every single person he met.

    After reading all the messages that have been left, it is obvious there isn’t a soul out there that he did not touch in some way!

    My heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to the entire Gordon family. Paul was much loved and will be very missed!

    ~ Sheryl Faulkner, May 16th, 2008

12. To the Gordon Family may Pauls memory be eternal. A great man that always had a smile and sharp with wit.

    Paul never forgot a face and always asked “hows buisenss are we doing a good job”

    God bless the Gordon Family may God keep you in his thoughts and prayers.Jimmy

    ~ JIMMY NICOLAU GRECIAN DELIGHT FOODS, May 16th, 2008

13. My sincere sympathies on the loss of Paul. I had the pleasure of talking to him only once long ago and greatly enjoyed our conversation. He seemed geuninely concerned about the state of our business and how he and his company could help us grow. He also had a great sense of humor! He will be missed by all that new him!

    ~ Mark Brooks - Bavarian Inn Lodge, May 16th, 2008

14. Didnt know the man personally, but met him at a food show in Louisville, KY one day. He knew exactly who I was adn the company I was with. It really made me feel like part of the GFS family and I have used them exclusively ever since. Thanks for making a great company and a life long customer.

    ~ Colin McQuarrie, May 16th, 2008

15. Mom let me know of your father’s passing.
    I send my heartfelt sympathies to the entire Gordon family, especially Dan who I worked with in the past. God bless you and yours.

    ~ Larry Kage, May 16th, 2008

16. In reading my devotions this morning I read a Psalm that immediately reminded me of the life that Paul Gordon lived.

    “Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. All goes well for those who are generous, who lend freely and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. They give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will never be forgotten. They will have influence and honor. ” Psalm 112: 1 - 9 (New Living Translation)

    I have been indirectly influenced by Paul Gordon’s life. My father-in-law became a new Christian shortly before he married my mother-in-law. When they were married they moved to Grand Rapids and attended Berean Baptist Church. Paul Gordon took my father-in-law under his wing and met with him regularly to mentor him in the Christian faith. My father-in-law is one of the most generous, compassionate, and righteous men I know and I believe, in part, it was because of the influence of one of the most generous, compassionate, and righteous men I also know. In turn Paul’s life has influenced another family’s generation of children and grandchildren that are serving God and carrying on the heritage that was passed on.

    THANKS for the faithful life you lived and your compassion are care for all those you came in contact with.

    ~ Nancy High, May 16th, 2008

17. Having been ‘away’ for a few years we have enjoyed reading comments about our great friend Paul from many of our long time and dear friends @ GFS over the years.

    We were fortunate to be in town (a God thing) for Monday’s visitation. It was kind of nervous for us to ‘cruise on in there’ - but you know - once a part of the Gordon family - always a part of the Gordon family - nothing too dissimilar than when we make a life changing decision to become a member of God’s family. That is true acceptance. And isn’t that one of the great trademarks of Paul - (and it’s so good to see that the kids, grandkids, brothers, sisters - well let’s just say ” all of ‘em” have been blessed with these “Paulisms’ as well).

    I was struck by two things this Monday:
    1. God is still in the Miracle Business!! GFS - how many years old, still growing, still going, still giving, still serving, still sharing!! The Gordon family and the business is a blessing of God and a true living miracle - that we all have been a part of. Have you thanked God lately for this? Are you doing your part to preserve, protect and perpetuate this LIVING MIRACLE?
    2. I felt like we all got a little taste of heaven on Monday - and I’m sure you all had a real taste on Tuesday! But you know - I’ve got to think heaven is going to be like a GFS event! You’re around friends and family - and you love one another and you just love being there - and you just don’t want to ever leave! Well - we’ll get that opportunity one of these days won’t we!! And Paul - would desire that we all have made that choice to accept God’s free gift of salvation to reserve our spot for eternity! What a privilege and a blessing to have been a part of this!! And Paul would ask one thing and one thing only of us - share your blessing and the joy of Jesus’ good news with others . . .

    With Love to our friends @ GFS & especially to Dottie / Kids & Grandkids. Paul & Karin.

    ~ Paul & Karin Dilcher, May 16th, 2008