Gordon Paul

TRAVERSE CITY — Gordon Paul Lau, 62, of Traverse City and formerly of Rhode Island, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2011, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was at home with loving family by his side.Gordie was born at sea on May 8, 1948, aboard the U.S. Army transport ship, the USS General W.H. Gordon, as his parents, Chin Yick and Shui Chun Lau, traveled from China to California. On Aug. 16, 1980, he married Brenda Pitcher in Traverse City.While in college, Gordie answered the call of duty and entered the service as a member of the United States Coast Guard, earning his pilot wings. He served at many air stations and retired from the U.S.C.G. in 1989. After retirement, Gordie and Brenda returned to Traverse City, where he eventually became part of the team at Century Inc., learning the many aspects of steel manufacturing. Gordie loved gadgets, computers and just being with family and friends. His strength of character and commitment to responsibility led him to face difficult situations with a "can do" spirit. He always found a way to make things work, to make things right. Gordie's quiet nature had a welcoming, calming effect on all who met him. He was so easy to love; he will be greatly missed. Gordie will be forever in the hearts of his loving wife, Brenda Lau ,of Traverse City; his son, Paul (Maurine) Lau, and their children, Alison, Jonathan and Analese; his daughter, Jennifer "Benny" (Kevin) Dohm, and their children, Maddy and Henry; his son, Nick Lau; and his youngest son, Tim (Meg Depky) Lau. He will also be lovingly remembered by his mother, Shui Chun Lau; and five siblings, Gorman (Denise) Lau, Dilly Lau, Gorham (Jean) Lau, Graham (Donna) Lau and Raymond (Kara) Lau; nieces and nephews, Matthew, Melissa, Eric, April, Brian, Amy, Sammie and Zak. In addition, Gordie will be kept close by his mother-in-law, Nell Pitcher; and four sisters-in-law, Molly (Jerry) Place, Linda Pitcher, Carol (Hal) Deal and Jennifer (Jeff) Heinfling; nieces, Leeza, Sheri and Sandi; and special neighbors, Linda and Hugh Rea; as well as many other loving family members and friends. Gordie was preceded in death by his father, Chin Yick Lau; and his father-in-law, Bill Pitcher. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. today, March 23, 2011, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2011, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with Chaplain Ron White officiating. Graveside committal services will be held in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding S.E., Ada, MI 49301. As an alternative to flowers, you may honor Gordie by bringing a small candle and holder of your choice to be placed in the chapel at the funeral home during the service as a symbol of the light and love he brought into our lives. Please share thoughts with the family at Gordie's on line guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.