F. Cornwell

TRAVERSE CITY — Gordon Cornwell, architect, community activist, sailor, skier, pilot, and sports car racer, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife, Jean, and his family on Saturday, July 23, just weeks away from his 94th birthday.Gordon was born on Aug. 12, 1917, in Elmira, N.Y., the son of The Rev. Albert and Mabel (Carr) Cornwell.He was graduated from Syracuse University in 1941, having earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Architecture, after which he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1941-45. In 1943, he married Jean Holzworth at her family home in Syracuse, N.Y. In 1947, they moved to Traverse City, where he took a position as architect with Parsons Corporation.One year later, he opened his own architectural practice in the Anderson Building on Front Street in Traverse City, which practice continues as Cornwell-Architects through his son, Bob.Living in central neighborhood, Jean and Gordon raised their four children, "Gordy, Stevie, Nancy and Bobby."The beauty of the Grand Traverse area was special to Gordon, and he was quietly active as a leader in enhancing and preserving it for future generations. He was a charter member of the Traverse Area Development Fund, now known as the Traverse Area Community Foundation, which was created to fund the development of the open space and the Easling Community Pool. He was a founding director of Northwestern Bank in 1955.Gordon was a founding member of both the Grand Traverse Yacht Club and the Grand Traverse Ski Club, assisting in the development of Hickory and Holiday Hills. Gordon served 35 years on the Traverse City Planning Commission and was instrumental in drafting Traverse City's original zoning ordinance. He was a longtime board member and past president of Child and Family Services Of Northwest Michigan. He served as board member of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce and as chairman of its downtown development committee. He was a member of Kiwanis for 60 years and was an early member of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra Board.He was also a founding member of the local chapter of the Sports Car Club of America and loved racing his Austin Healey.One of Gordon's great loves, aside from his family, was his church, the First Congregational Church, where he served on the board of deacons, churchside village, and church council. He was the architect for the Congregational Church built in 1958, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, All Faiths Chapel at the Commons, Edgewood United Church in East Lansing, Wallin Congregational in Grand Rapids, and many other churches throughout Michigan. He also designed T.C. Central High School, West Junior High, St. Francis High School and many schools throughout northern Michigan. Also included in over 700 design projects are the local City-County Building, early area hospitals and many local residences.His love of sailing, from his childhood on Cape Cod to the waters of Grand Traverse Bay, was an integral part of his life which he shared with his children and grandchildren. He and Jean supported and contributed to the Grand Traverse Area Community Sailing (TACS) boathouse with hopes of encouraging the love of sailing.Gordon leaves a legacy of steadfast family love and universal acceptance of people. He was known for his ready wit, warm smile, integrity, and faith in God.Gordon is survived by Jean, his wife of 68 years; his children, Gordon (Suzanne), Steve (Jan), Nancy (Kent) Walton, and Bob (Allyn Kay); adoring grandchildren, Stacey Hasse (Andy), Wes (Sheri), Sarah Hubbell (Charlie), Megan O'grady (Jeremy), Andy (Jessica), Stephanie, Abby Porter (Sam), Lindsay Annelin (Mike), Mollie Mather (Chad), Myles, and Betsy; as well as beloved cousin, Richard Cornwell from England; and seven great-grandchildren.A time of celebrating Gordon's life will take place, beginning with a time of visitation from 3 until 5 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at First Congregational Church, followed by a service of celebration at 5:30 p.m. In the sanctuary of First Congregational Church with The Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue officiating. Gordon's cremated remains will be interred in the garden of remembrance following the services.For a more lasting memorial, the family suggests that contributions in Gordon's name be directed to Grand Traverse Area Community Sailing (TACS), First Congregational Church or Child and Family Services.Please share your memories of Gordon with his family by way of the online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home And Cremation Service.

F. Cornwell

July 23, 2011