Joseph Harold Gordon, Sr.

Obituary Joseph Harold Gordon, Sr. March 31, 1909 ?" October 21, 2009 Joseph Harold Gordon, Sr., born to Joseph Hinckley Gordon and Mary Louise Obermiller, was a proud Tacoman for 100 years. He attended Lowell and Washington Grammar Schools and the Stanford Law School. He graduated from Stadium High School, Stanford University and the University of Washington School of Law. He began the practice of law with his father in 1935, as Gordon and Gordon. Through several transitions, the firm is now Gordon Thomas Honeywell with offices in Tacoma and Seattle and over 60 attorneys. His practice began in estate planning and probate, and evolved into corporate mergers. He served as director in more than 20 corporations. His law career was interrupted during World War II when he became Personnel Director of Todd Shipyards, managing human resources for over 28,000 employees. As a leader in the profession, Joe was President of the Pierce County Bar Association, President of the Western States Bar Conference, Member of the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association (ABA), Treasurer of the ABA, and President and life time delegate of the American Bar Endowment. These activities provided him with many travel opportunities which he greatly enjoyed. Joe did not neglect his community. He served as president of the University Union Club and Tacoma Rotary No. 8, an organization where his membership spanned 70 years. In 1943, Joe chaired a study of the City Charter to successfully change Tacoma to the manger form of Government. Community board service included Tacoma Country and Golf Club, Tacoma Club, United Good Neighbors, American Red Cross, and Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Board of Visitors of the Stanford Law School and was active as an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church. Joe's commitment to the law and service did not go unnoticed and he received numerous awards and accolades. These included Distinguished Alumnus Award from UW Law School, the Distinguished Service Award from the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, a Joe Gordon Recognition Day from Washington State Governor Lowry in 1994. He also received the Fellow of the American Bar Foundation 50 year award for service to the American Bar Association and a Lifetime Service Award from the Washington State Bar Association. Joe was a dedicated family man and will be deeply missed by his loved ones. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Fred Gordon, first wife, Jane Wilson, second wife, Eileen Rademaker, stepson, Charles Rademaker, and son in law, Thomas Fishburne. He is survived by brother, Robert Gordon, sister, Mary Beil, son, Joe Gordon, Jr. (Sandy), and daughter Nancy Fishburne. He was the proud stepfather to Jack (Thelma) and William (Bebe) Rademaker, and Mary (Jim) Meier. Also surviving are grandsons, Wesley (Julie), Alec, and Douglas (Kym) Fishburne, Chris (Betsy) and Tim (Julie) Meier, Mike, Jeff (Pam), Will, Randy (Amanda), Reed and Miles Rademaker and great grandchildren, Jack, Molly, Maren, Ava, and Max Meier and Jude and Cash Fishburne. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 20 Tacoma Avenue South in Tacoma, on Friday, October 30, 2009 at 4:00 pm. Among the many charitable, religious and educational organizations Joe supported were the First Presbyterian Church of Tacoma and the Tacoma Rotary Foundation.