William "Bill" A. Gordon Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

William A. Gordon of Traverse City died Friday, March 29, 2019 at Munson Hospice House surrounded by his loving family. Born to William Gordon and Helen Woodbury on November 7, 1934, he grew up in Pontiac, Michigan. Bill survived his sisters Patricia Mills, Gerry Boyce, Sally Bowman and his brother Robert Gordon. Bill married Nancy Upham in 1955 after they both graduated from Central Michigan University. They moved to Warren, Michigan where Bill had a fabulous career as a teacher, principal and administrator with Warren Consolidated Schools from 1956 to 1991. He received his masters degree in 1960 from the University of Michigan. In 1971 he opened the brand new Sterling Heights High School, which was his pride and joy. Bill and Nancy raised three children; Kelly (Robert) Jacobsma of Douglas, Scott (Kim) Gordon of Whitmore Lake and Tracy (Roger) VanDusen of Jacksonville Beach, Fl. After years of family camping vacations, Bill and Nancy bought their beloved “cottage” on Green Lake in 1971 and retired there in 1991. They were both active with the Interlochen Public Library, where Bill served on the Board, and volunteered at the Interlochen Arts Academy, and Habitat for Humanity. Their home on the Green Lake Peninsula was a much loved gathering spot for family reunions and pot luck dinners. They made many friends through Newcomers Club, Tennis Club, Bridge Groups, and in the Green Lake community. Bill created lasting memories for his grandchildren Gordon, Julie, Hannah, Morgan, Olivia and J-Towner as he taught them to golf, water ski, and swim. An athletic man, Bill enjoyed swimming, tennis, golf, and sailing and had long time golf buddies and tennis partners. Bill was a handyman extraordinaire and often lent his expertise to others. After losing his wife Nancy of 48 years, Bill was fortunate to find love again. In 2005 Bill and Dorothy (Dottie) Prouty were joined in a ceremony of unity and holy commitment. He had special relationships with and is fondly remembered by Patty (Pete d’Arienzo) Wood of Spokane, Polly (Scott) Walker, of Elk Rapids, Paul (Mishelle) Prouty of Evergreen, Colorado, Peter Prouty of Grand Haven and all of their children. Bill and Dottie shared 14 wonderful years together, wintering in Florida, playing golf and spending time with their immediate and extended families and many friends. A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City on June 22 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Interlochen Public Library or Munson Hospice House. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Bill’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

William "Bill" A. Gordon

November 7, 1934 - March 29, 2019