Obituary of Harry Gordon

Harry Paul Gordon, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend died peacefully on September 23, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.  He was 88 years old.

Harry was born on January 2, 1936 in Memphis, Tennessee.  His parents, Robert F. and Miriam Gordon of Gary, Indiana, raised him in a close-knit Jewish community.  As members of Ravisloe Country Club, Harry learned to play golf as a child, something that would continue to be an important part of his life as an adult.  An avid student-athlete, he attended high school at Culver Military Academy where he played football and boxed.  He attended the University of Arizona in Tucson before leaving college to travel the world with his parents. Harry served in the U.S. Army.  In 1959, he married the love of his life, Donna Winer, also from Gary.  Harry and Donna knew each other since childhood and shared a mutual devotion that sustained their 65-year marriage.

Harry spent most of his career in sales with the Gordon and Winer family businesses.  He worked closely alongside his father at the H. Gordon & Sons department store before transitioning to regional sales at Arthur Winer, Inc., both in Gary, Indiana.  He later spent his time divided between New York City and Gary as he took on a larger company role eventually becoming national sales manager and vice president.

In 1970, Harry and Donna moved to Flossmoor, Illinois where they raised two daughters, Susan and Linda. Harry was very proud of their daughters and their accomplishments.  They lived in Flossmoor for over 40 years before relocating to Denver, Colorado to be closer to children and grandchildren during retirement.  Harry thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and the multitude of activities and natural beauty that Colorado afforded him.  Late in life he became an accomplished pianist, studied several languages, and published two novels and one non-fiction book.  He took immense pleasure in planning trips all over the globe and traveling with his children and grandchildren. He and Donna continued to travel internationally until the pandemic.  Exploring new restaurants and fine food off the beaten path and closer to home gave both he and Donna great pleasure.

Harry is survived by his best friend and wife, Donna Gordon; children Susan Gordon and Linda Gordon Johnston; and grandchildren Anna Castle and husband Bill Cooper, Jacob Castle, Dr. Rose Castle, Ryan Johnston, and Toby Johnston.  He also leaves behind a wide circle of cousins and friends who cherished his wisdom, warmth, and wit.

Harry’s legacy is one of curiosity, love of food and culture, and dedication to family.  His life was a testament to the power of change and the importance of pursuing our interests.  He will be remembered by his generosity, passion for learning, and his profound impact on the people who had the pleasure of knowing him.

As an author, Harry could not have written a better ending to his life story. 2024 was filled with many happy occasions shared with family and friends. He left everyone with fond memories that bring comfort. His memory is truly a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Harry’s memory to the charity of your choice that supports nature or the environment, which he so loved and thoroughly enjoyed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

 

When I die

Give what’s left of me away

To children

And old men that wait to die.

 

And if you need to cry,

Cry for your brother

Walking the street beside you.

And when you need me,

Put your arms

Around anyone

And give them

What you need to give to me.

 

I want to leave you something,

Something better

Than words

Or sounds.

 

Look for me

In the people I’ve known

Or loved,

And if you cannot give me away,

At least let me live on in your eyes

And not your mind.

 

You can love me most

By letting

Hands touch hands,

By letting bodies touch bodies,

And by letting go

Of children

That need to be free.

 

Love doesn’t die,

People do.

So, when all that’s left of me

Is love,

Give me away.

 

~ Merrit Malloy