Gordon Wendell Besaw, 93, of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Orchard Creek Assisted Living where he had made his home.

Born on May 30, 1923 in Detroit, he was the son of Clarence and Mabel Besaw. Following high school, he served our country as a member of the U. S. Navy, serving on the battleship USS South Dakota for the entire length of WW II. After his discharge from the service, he became a boiler inspector for the State of Michigan, a career that spanned 35 years.

On June 12, 1949, he married Marylou Eblacker and they spent 35 wonderful years together. She preceded him in death on Jan. 20, 1986. On March 26, 1988, Gordon was blessed to marry Sylvia Parker and they thoroughly enjoyed their 22 years together until her death on Jan. 7, 2011.

Gordon had a passion for boating and boater education. He was a senior life member and past commander of the U. S. Power Squadron, having been a part of the organization for over 50 years, and had earned 31 merit marks.

Surviving Gordon are his children Jerry (Ellen) Besaw, Susan (Jim) Gibson and Scott (Cheryl) Besaw , 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, Jim and Larry Besaw and a sister, Phyllis Ward. He was preceded in death by a brother, Stanley Besaw in 2001.

At Gordon's request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with Chaplain Ron White of Hospice of Michigan officiating. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

The family would ask that memorial contributions be directed to the U.S. Power Squadron, c/o RJFH, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684 or Orchard Care Assisted Living, c/o RJFH, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share memories of Gordon with his family by way of his online tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.