Paul Gordon—A man passionate for the Lord

By Daniel Wallace, GLM Executive Director

What do you think of the phrase, "Jesus said"? It is a powerful statement, yet it is often overlooked. The Son of God came to earth in bodily form and spoke to those he created in his image. "Jesus said" many truths and they were directed to us. Over a hundred times the Gospel writers used that phrase, and many of us have Bibles highlighting his words in red. What a stunning thought if we slow down long enough to think about it. God has spoken to us personally and he is still speaking to us today.

The logical question is—why? So much eff ort and suffering on Christ's part so we could have his words from his very mouth. Does it make you wonder? The reasons could fill pages, but one sticks out in my mind. He spoke so we would hear and respond. So simple yet so difficult in our busy, self-focused lives. Hear and respond to the One who made us, loves us, and has a plan for our lives.

Paul Gordon is one of the few men I have ever met in my life who actively listened to Jesus and acted consistently on what he heard. I find no greater honor any human can receive than to be known as one who hears and responds to the words of Jesus. Paul pursued the words of Jesus with greater passion than any other pursuit, positively affecting all his endeavors. We can personally attest to this as we saw him bypass fruitless talk in exchange for a godly walk. With unceasing joy, he valued everyone he met without regard to status and he served others as if their needs always exceeded his. The apostle John wrote, "If you claim to be in Christ, you must walk as Jesus walked." Paul walked in step with our Lord and his life is a living testimony of what Jesus said and did.

Personally, my life has been forever marked by Paul's relationship with me. I am humbled to have been chosen by him to be his friend and co-laborer here at Gull Lake Ministries. His loving pursuit of others to value and encourage them will forever be etched in my mind. He has shaped my character as a leader and a father. I will miss his joyful presence and boisterous laugh. I will miss his passion for people and commitment to serving our Lord. I will miss my loyal friend.

"Jesus said" and Paul Gordon responded. What an amazing testimony to all of us.

Paul Gordon was the firstborn son of Ben and Ruth Gordon of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Some of Paul's first memories were of visiting his grandparents in their cottage on Gull Lake and attending the children's ministry at the Bible Conference. After working for his father in the family business as a teen, Paul served in the Navy during World War II, earning the rank of lieutenant. Following his graduation from the University of Michigan with a degree in business administration, Paul joined Gordon Food Service® as a salesman in 1948, and married his bride, Dorothy "Dottie" Duncan, the same year. Paul served as President of GFS from 1965 to 1990.

Paul was professionally recognized many times over the years for his business leadership. In 1994, he was named Outstanding Business Leader by Northwood University, in 2001 he received the C. John Miller Business Leadership Award from Cornerstone University, the 2001 Business Person of the Year from the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, the Ernst & Young West Michigan Entrepreneur of the Year 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award, and he accepted the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Foodservice Distributors Association. At the time of his passing, Mr. Gordon held the position of Chairman for GFS.

Founded in 1897, Gordon Food Service is North America's largest family-owned foodservice distributor, serving more than 45,000 customers across the U.S. and Canada and operating 127 retail stores. The Gordon family did not stumble upon success. Their forefathers adhered to principles and beliefs that carried them through the Great Depression and World War II. Those principles are still honored today.

GFS was first linked to Gull Lake Ministries through Paul's grandfather, Isaac Van Westenbrugge. Known as "Mr. Van," he began the family business by selling butter and eggs door-to-door from a horsedrawn wagon. Isaac was integral in the establishment and early success of Gull Lake Bible and Missionary Conference; his involvement extended from 1921–1938.

Mr. Gordon served on Gull Lake Ministries' Board of Directors as Chairman for over 40 years. As a leader at GLM, Paul's role was fatherly in many ways. He guided the ministry through tough times and transition with steadfast faith, practical business sense, and a loving heart.

During his tenure with the ministry, Paul worked with Executive Directors Howard Pierucki, Neil Fichthorn, Roger Williams, Ray Warren, and Daniel Wallace. He oversaw the growth and development of the ministry through dozens of projects including: building the current Fellowship Center, a new dining room addition and several remodels, the purchase of many properties, renovation of the Tabernacle, building of five condo units, and construction of a new entrance road, among others.

Over the years, Paul's leadership was also vital in selecting four Executive Directors, navigating the ministry through several zoning issues, locating and supporting global missions' organizations, and recruiting godly men and women to serve on the Board of Directors. Finally, Paul passed the torch of leadership on to two of his children, Jim Gordon and Joyce Williams, who both currently serve on the Board of Directors.

Paul is survived by Dottie, his wife of almost 60 years, as well as his four children, Dan, Connie, Jim, and Joyce, 16 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The Gull Lake Ministries' family will greatly miss our beloved friend and brother in Christ.

Memories

I first met Paul Gordon at Gull Lake Bible and Missionary Conference after coming to the U.S. from Russia in 1990. I was very impressed by his vision and passion to support so many ministries, and for his desire to educate many families about the importance of missions. Today, hundreds of churches have been planted and thousands of Christian leaders in the former Soviet Union have been trained because of Paul's compassion and strategic generosity. Paul was a great instrument in the hands of God, helping to expand God's Kingdom throughout the most needy territories of the former Soviet Union.
Sergey N. Rakhuba, Russian Ministries, Sr. VP,
Association for Spiritual Renewal (Russia, CIS), President

Here is a humble man who loves the Lord; a man of integrity and vision with a passion that Gull Lake continue to build on its reputation for quality Bible teaching.
Ray Warren, Former GLM Executive Director

I first met Paul Gordon on the grounds of Gull Lake Ministries back in 1978. Since that time, I have been amazed at the commitment and careful attention he gave to his God, to his family, to his work, and to the many ministries in which he was involved. This kind of man is rare, so I count it a great privilege to have his infl uence in my life. We hear about "men of God"—that's what Paul was, as well as a great model and example for all of us.
Dr. Ron Cline, HCJB Global

[We] have so many great memories of Paul at the Conference. We appreciated his warmth and the time he would spend just seeing how we were and his interest in our involvement with HCJB. Thank you for all the work that has gone into Gull Lake Ministries as a result of your eff orts. It has been a blessing to our family for many years. His legacy will live on for years to come.
John & Kim Talmage, GLM Neighbors

I will always remember Paul Gordon as a friend (next door at Gull Lake) who I was privileged to know and observe for 25-plus years. He was an outstanding example and mentor to me on entrepreneurship, Christian business ethics, and balancing business, family, and ministry... and of course the fine art of grandfathering par excellence.
Tom Klobucher, GLM Board Member

Although I first met Paul Gordon over 50 years ago, it wasn't until I began serving with him on the Gull Lake Ministries board in the early 70s that I came to appreciate his deep love of God and his commitment to Kingdom work. Traveling with Paul and his family has been a very rewarding experience. He has made a lasting impact on my life that I will treasure forever.
Max Smith, GLM Board Member

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, Gordon Food Service Creative Services Manager

I have been blessed to have worked with and known Paul for the last three years—I only wish it could have been longer. I have never met anyone of Paul's prominence that was as warm and kind as he was, and always with an encouraging word. I feel I am a better person because of knowing him.
Jim Farman, GLM Facilities Director

Paul and Dottie were the first folks Mary Esther and I met in relation to Gull Lake Ministries. They interviewed me for the position of Director. Having been hired, Paul and I had a most unique relationship; I was well aware that he, as Chairman of the Board, was my "boss" but, at the same time, I considered him my best friend when we were in Michigan. I respected him completely and I looked forward to our times together. In times of business, I felt more like his partner than his "employee." In times of fun and fellowship, he was a complete riot. Though the miles separated us in later years, Mary Esther and I always looked forward to spending time together with him and Dottie. Without question, Paul was one of the finest Christian gentlemen I ever met.
Neil Fichthorn, Former GLM Executive Director

Downloads

CCCA magazine article about Paul Gordon