ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Blair Gordon, born on October 29, 1949. He passed away on February 21, 2020. We will remember him forever.

On February 21, 2020 we lost a one-of-a-kind, deeply loved and special man.
In our collective shock and sadness, please know that Blair did not suffer and was strong and stoic in the face of a devastating diagnosis: pneumonia, heart and liver cancer. After checking himself into Glendale Memorial Hospital on February 7, he came to terms with his situation and was filled with acceptance ("I'm not scared"), gratitude and love for his many friends and family members.
He came home on February 15 and was given compassionate and comprehensive care in his room just feet away from a large picture window with a view of Griffith Observatory and his beloved Hollywood.

On the day of his passing, there was a series of events that must have been more than just a coincidence:
-he passed away on his cherished mother's birthday
-his nurse was named "Elizabeth," the name of his grandmother
-a beautiful hummingbird somehow got into his house, and hovered at his picture window. We released the bird to the outside (hummingbirds are considered symbols of: love, joy, beauty and goodness; some view them as spirit messengers or angels). This occurred one and a half hours before he died.

We were by his side, holding his hand, with soft music playing in the background ("Songbirds at Sunrise"). 

We hope that this gives you some comfort as it did us.

I think we all would agree that there is an amazing "spirit of Blair." Whatever that means to you, it is our hope that you will carry it forward to make your life better and improve the lives of others. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

For those who wish, contributions may be made in his memory to any of the following charitable organizations: Glendale Memorial Health Foundation, Project Angel Food, ALS Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Innocence Project, Braille Institute.

We encourage you to read a letter in the photo gallery on this site that Blair wrote in 2011 prior to surgery. You will see that he felt like the "luckiest guy." 

And weren't we the luckiest to have known him!
February 28, 2020
February 28, 2020
I had the privilege of knowing Blair for the past 5 years as a fellow volunteer at Glendale Memorial Hospital. I looked forward to seeing him each week because he was so cheerful and always made me laugh. I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear he had passed. He was such a lovely man with a delightful energy. He will stay in my heart forever. My condolences to his family.
February 28, 2020
February 28, 2020
I cannot imagine a tighter brother-sister bond than Blair and I had. The pain of his loss for me is deep, but so also is the relief that his illness was not prolonged and he was not in pain. Wouldn't Blair have wanted us to see it that way?
When I think of Blair the first word that comes to mind is effervescent. Each time spent with him left me feeling more upbeat, joyful and more loved. As I attempt to describe Blair I keep coming up with superlatives: the most generous, the biggest heart, the best hugger, the most positive, the best brother-uncle-cousin-friend, etc., the funniest and the funnest, the quickest wit, and the best listener.
Blair was so other-directed that he absolutely reveled in hearing about all of us. He took such joy and pride in hearing about our day, our accomplishments, our thoughts and our interests.
And his contagious humor was present right up until his last week when the nurse and I broke into uproarious laughter over his hilarious comments. Blair loved to make me laugh, and I was his #1 fan.
I will try to pay forward much of what Blair gave to me, and his spirit certainly lives on in his loved ones.
February 27, 2020
February 27, 2020
Dear Blair,

Your smile said it all!! Therein lies the joyful energy force that you posessed that is like no other. You had a talent for always seeing the positive, breathing out the love, laughing with your entire being, and making us all feel special in your own amazing way!
Although many miles kept us apart, I could always feel your presence nearby. You were Uncle Blair to our girls and the dearest of friends to Jim and I. The only part of your journey that I regret is the missed opportunities to share more laughter in person and to feel your BIG hugs that always made us all feel so loved and appreciated!
I will miss you dear Blair, more than words can say, but your memory lives on forever and makes me smile ......and for that I will always be grateful!

Love you always and forever.....


February 25, 2020
February 25, 2020
As I sit here, heartbroken over the loss of my dearest Uncle Blair, listening to The Supremes playing in the background, I can picture Uncle Blair singing along, smiling, and laughing that contagious laugh of his. Uncle Blair was a truly special person, and I feel so lucky to have had 34 magical years with him. He was such an integral part of our family and it is impossible to imagine him no longer with us. Uncle Blair had a very rare combination of radiant energy, joy for life, the BEST sense of humor, inclusivity, humility, and a deep interest in others. He was totally authentically himself. Uncle Blair took such pleasure in social connection and relished times spent together. My inbox is filled with emails from Uncle Blair sent after various get togethers with subject lines like “WONDERFUL EVENING, “PERFECT DAY,” and “STILL AGLOW.” He knew how to make you feel special, because he truly believed you were. May Uncle Blair’s spirit, and his legacy of generosity, laughter, and gratitude, live on in all of us.
February 25, 2020
February 25, 2020
There are really no words and my attempts to find them have failed miserably. I am broken-hearted for all of us.
He was such a unique man. I have never met anyone quite so joyous at the simple prospect of life, in and of itself. He was one of the very few people able to look only at the positive, while able to truly empathize with others when the need arose. His ability to forgive the trespasses of others, as well as his own, and embrace the act of forgiveness in it’s entirety made him a rarity of magnificent proportions. The loss of him punches a huge hole in the fabric of this life and his absence will be sorely felt by all of us blessed enough to have had him in our lives.

In the words of my niece Megan Smith, “b’ess you B’air.” She was 3 or 4 y.o. and she was totally smitten by this tall, good looking man who had just carried her through the snow. Prince Charming, indeed.

I’ll be keeping my eye out for the hummingbird.
February 25, 2020
February 25, 2020
Though I did not know you, I know your sister, who is delightful and loving, with a smile that can light up a room.
Simply knowing you came from a loving, caring family ensured you were a wonderful, giving brother. 
May the memories and laughter you brought to others comfort them, while God carries you home on the wings of angels.
Be blessed on your journey/
February 24, 2020
February 24, 2020
Even though I have only known you for a short time, you left an everlasting memory. You will be dearly missed by all of us. Keep smiling Blair!
February 24, 2020
February 24, 2020
This poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye has helped me on more than one occasion, so I thought I would share it.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn’s rain

When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die

To my dear, dear friend of over 50 years - thank you.
February 24, 2020
February 24, 2020
Long time memories of Blair continue to make me smile, among the deep sadness of his loss. I am grateful for the loving role he played in my dear friend, Megan's life and the joy he brought to many. Our hearts are with his family and friends.
February 23, 2020
February 23, 2020




Hi Blair,

I am delighted to receive your invitation and approve of the menu below:




MENU AT CHEZ BLAIR




APERITIFS: L'eau Chez Blair




HORS D' OEUVRES: Noix, Assortiment de Fromage,

                  Cingles




ENTRES: Saucisson sec, Saucissson au poivre, Plus de Fromage, Trop de Fromage




DESERTS: Les Chocolates, Biscotti, Merde- Plus de Fromage




What time should we appear on New Year's Day?

Love,

G.


So happy it meets with your approval! SLIGHT change though: My oven is out, so we'll have to move the party to YOUR place. And let's make it an all-night New Year's EVE party instead, so we can ring in the new decade together. Guests should arrive at Via Arbolada no later than 9:00 tomorrow night. I'll leave the menu for the 1/1/2020 New Year's Day brunheon up to you. CAN'T WAIT!


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Recent Tributes
February 21
February 21
I have always felt that when those we love leave us, they become guardian angels. Blair was so kind in life that I imagine he is organizing the heavenly troops to make sure that we are all well protected. I can still feel those wonderful "Blair hugs". I miss you my friend.
February 21
February 21
"What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." -Helen Keller
I am so grateful for all that I enjoyed deeply with Blair and loved about him.
I miss him so much, and yet I am comforted by the feeling that he has become a part of me.
His Life
February 22, 2020

Blair Macleod Gordon was the beloved son of Janet and Clifton Gordon and brother of Megan Cooper, uncle to Chelsea Stephan, and brother-in-law to Terry Cooper.  He grew up in Connecticut and upstate New York, graduated from Williams College and completed his graduate work at University of Texas-Austin.
Following graduate school in 1973, he moved to Los Angeles which became his permanent home. He rose through the ranks at Preview House (names changed with new ownership over the years), and had an enjoyable and highly successful career in television market research.
During his retirement he devoted considerable time as a volunteer at Braille Institute, Project Angel Food, and Glendale Memorial Hospital.  His many years of service as front desk greeter earned him a commendation presented to him during his hospital stay by the President and CEO of Glendale Memorial Hospital!

Blair's lifetime of contribution and concern for others is an inspiration. He impacted the lives of friends and family so profoundly and he brought immeasurable joy to us all.
Recent stories
November 22, 2022
Since my birthday is a few weeks after Blair's, he wouldn't speak to me until we were the same age again, so it didn't seem right not to wait.  In this time of giving thanks, I am so grateful that I had him in my life.  It is impossible to think of Blair and not smile - what an remarkable gift that is for all of us.  Blair, I will always miss you but I know you keeping an eye out for everyone you loved and who loved you.
October 29, 2022
Wonderful                    
               
Most weeks Blair and I would have phone chats on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
We both so enjoyed these regular calls.  After my usual "How are you?" I could almost always count on a one-word answer.
"Wonderful!"
And he would say it with the most enthusiastic inflection.  Another alternative answer I would get is "Perfect!"
When we think of Blair, so many of us today are thinking of our memorable calls with him and the warm and witty conversations we had with him.  
Blair can be described in so many ways, and with positive adjectives too numerous to mention here.  Today, on his 73rd birthday, I'll just simply say, "Wasn't he WONDERFUL?!"


February 21, 2021
The Comfort of Hummingbirds

A hummingbird visited Blair on the day of his passing, entering his home and hovering near his bed.  I have found comfort in this.  Mounted on our wall is a framed tile with a lovely saying about the meaning of hummingbirds.  Here is an excerpt: "Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time and space, carrying our hopes for joy, love and celebration.  Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends."
Today I plan to look through old photos of Blair, listen to some Supremes songs, and anticipate a visit from a hummingbird at our feeder.  Thoughts of Blair will make me smile.
On this day of remembrance, we send our love to all those who love Blair.



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