Memories from Others:

1. Like many others that have shared their stories I have been touched in a very similar way on numerous occassions by Paul and since the first time I met him I knew that Gordon Food Service and Paul Gordon were both very special and were to be cherished. When I started at GFS I thought that Paul was a good businessman but quickly realized that it was much more than that after I met him. Paul loved his employees, their families and his customers as much as he loved his own family and it has continued to show year after year.

   We must take what we have learned from Paul and continue to treat each other this way as well as continue to grow the business with honesty, integrity and hard work.

   Paul, we will not disappoint you!

   God Bless Paul, Dottie and the entire Gordon family.

   ~ Dave Westphal, May 17th, 2008

2. After reading many of the memories shared by so many it only confirms what was so evident in the first place. Oh how my life is blessed by being part of GFS and by knowing Paul. I have spent 20 years here and ran into Paul mutiple times.Whether I was alone or with my wife he would greet us by name.The impact that the Gordon family has had on me and my family is priceless.
   I remember at one of our tranportation meetings, Paul’s statement, “You are all ambassadors of the Gordon family and you are all needed in the success of GFS.” I have heard that from Jim, Dan and many others over the years. It has stuck with me and I find myself conveying the same message.
   The Gordon family has always placed high value and praise on others. The grander vision Paul lived and conveyed, mirrors the vision that Jesus cast so many years ago, that people matter. His life was a tribute to his faith and love for people. It is an honor to be part of such a great organization and to have had the opportunity to know Paul in person.
   Our prayers and gratitude go out to the whole family.
   In Christ love.

   John and Maria Musselman
   Transportation manager, Tampa, Florida

   ~ Anonymous, May 17th, 2008

3. I have always been impressed with this great mans humilty. Even though a very powerful force in the Food Service Industry, he was always so approachable. My first real time I was able to get to know him was at my first Winner’s Cicle at Williamsburg VA. We had to be shipped in by van from Richmond which is an hour ride, yet here was Paul and Dottie piled in with the rest of us sales folks, laughing and talking to us like no other big business owner would. At that time I knew there was somthing “special” about this man and this family. I am proud to have known Paul and to be a part of such a wondeful organization. I mourn his passing but know that he left for a better place solid in his faith. I also know that the faith of the Gordon family will get them through this sad time. God Bless!

   ~ John Riley, May 17th, 2008

4. I fondly remember the times Paul would stop by our department to talk about a new project he wanted us to work on. During those visits, he would often compliment our team, sharing his appreciation for the work we do.

   But, my favorite memory is the time our team spent with Paul and Dottie over dinner at Gull Lake Ministries, followed by a pontoon boat ride with Paul for ice cream across the lake…in the midst of an unexpected rain storm. Through it all, Paul laughed and joked with each of us, just as if he was one of our ‘regular’ team members.

   Paul was an inspiration at work, but ever greater is the inspirational legacy of Paul’s relationships, faith, and life!

   ~ Marty Lenger, May 17th, 2008

5. We have known Paul and Dottie since 1963 when we visited Berean Baptist Church during our Pre-field ministry before going to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) where we served 40 years and are still going as short termers each winter. Paul’s dad and friend, Harley Thomas visited us on the field in 1966 which was a special blessing. Through the years we have stayed in their home when on furlough while we were in Grand Rapids area whether they were at home or not and have also stayed at Gull Lake with them. They even housed one of our sons for a while when he needed a place to stay after college. We have grown to love them and their family and consider them special friends. They have helped us through the years obtain vehicles from GFS to use while on furlough. They must have included guardian angels, too, as the vehicles have never had accidents and just keep going for miles and miles. He personally put on new tires before giving us our most recent van. Through their influence GFS has also given generously toward building our camp in Bangladesh where many young people and adults have been saved. Through the years we’ve enjoyed boat rides and several ball games together to watch the grands! What a guy! What Godly wisdom! What a privilege to be a friend of such a man! We are humbled after reading all the posted memories. We will miss him greatly. What a privilege to be in U.S. to attend the visitation and funeral of our brother and friend. (We received word of his cancer while in Togo, W. Africa and had just returned to U.S. from Bangladesh and Africa when we received word of his graduation into heaven.) We counted over 10 GFS trucks on the expressway from GR to Chicago after the funeral. Our love and prayers are with you, Dottie and the family.

   ~ Bob and Barb Adolph, Cincinnati OH, May 17th, 2008

6. I would like to thank the Gordon Family for the opportunity to work for a company that values the sames things myself and my family do. I will be forever thankful of the legacy that Paul has left behind.
   As I read the letter the we received from Paul Gordon on March 28th, my heart ached but at the same time was filled with hope as his message encourged us all to continue to grow and change.
   I shared Paul’s letter with my parents who have never met Paul. I can’t express to you how blessed they were by his letter and in knowing that my career is with a famliy who shares their own values.

   ~ Tricia Potter, May 17th, 2008