There are so many stories when I reminisce about Gordon but one of the first that comes to mind while writing this with a big smile on my face is the following:
   
   As many of us know, quite often when a tab would come at the end of dinner with Gordon, he would either be "heading to the restroom" or "conveniently left his wallet at home". This had become a such a running theme that it  became an "inside"  family joke where anyone who truly knew Gordon and was planning on taking him out to lunch or dinner knew that they were most likely paying. I had told these stories for years to my in-laws before they met Gordon about how gracious and loving my grandfather could be, that he wasn't necessarily cheap when it came to many things but by all means don't expect him to pay for dinner. On top of this story line I had been giving to my in- laws was the second most infamous story line which was Gordon putting you to work. It did not matter if you were coming over for a 5 min. visit or a weekend stay at the desert house, if there was work to be done he would enlist your services willing or unwilling. Before you knew it you would be changing light bulbs, planting cactus, replacing water heaters, etc. There was no task to big or to small to engage your help in. On my in-laws first trip down to the desert and one of their first times meeting my grandfather, they were going into this weekend vacation in La Quinta with a storyline of my grandfather that I had built up for them years in the making. Low an behold we get to the desert to start are weekend siesta and.............nothing. We spent the weekend swimming in the pool, feeding the fish in the lake, watching tv, barbequing, enjoying life and no one was put to work. To add insult to injury on my stories, on our second night in the desert Gordon takes us all out to one of his favorite restaurants in La Quinta. We order so much food and drink that I was to say less than thrilled about the tab that was coming, which I knew I was going to pay for. When the dinner winds down and it comes time for the check, Gordon does not shuffle off to the restroom. In fact he is the first at the table to pull out his wallet and pay for the entire meal. (I think at this point in the weekend I was equal parts confused and questioning if I was dreamin). At the conclusion of the trip I will never forget the drive home with my in-laws. My father in-law let me have it. "For years you have been telling me about your grandfather. I envisioned someone so different. I have never met a more gracious man and what an amazing weekend, you are so lucky to have such a generous and gracious grandfather." At the time I had never looked more foolish. I remember not having much to say that ride back as I was in just as much shock as he was. I had to bide my tongue at that time. Although that trip went much differently  than anyone expected, in the years to come after that weekend my father in law, who happens to be a plumber, would ultimately come to learn that my words rang true about being put to work by Gordon. I often times think back on that trip and and the sentiment of what my father in-law said to me that day and it sticks with me. For all of Gordon's faults and flaws, I will always remember the vast amount of good times we had and how truly lucky I was to have a grandfather who loved and cared for me and my family in the way that he did. 

I have hundreds of stories about my friendship with Gordon but most all of them contain hints of confidential information that is it not my place to reveal.  One of my favorite that I can tell was in the early years of our friendship of over forty years.  It was 1981 and I was a third year law student working at a Century City Law Firm when I was tasked with preparing for a trial representing Gordon.  Working for Gordon was glorious not laborious because he was engaging, smart and honest (and a little obsessive).  After several months he invited me to have lunch with him at the Fox Commissary.  He advised me that while the dining room was beautiful and full of movie history, he didn't like eating there because want to be's hire people to come over and make a big deal about them so they can be noticed.  I assured him that I was not interested in being noticed so no worries.  He arranged a lot pass and we went to our table and continued our discussions about his litigation between stories about Arness, Raymond Burr, Mel Brooks, his father, Rose, wives and children.  It was one of the most enjoyable meals I ever had until in a loud woman's voice, almost screaming, came the words "OH MY GOD, IT'S ELLIOT KAPLAN!!!"  The room went silent, I sat there like a deer in the headlights as Gordon sank slowly in his chair and gave that stare that was uniquely his with his chin down on his chest and looking through the top of his glasses glairing at me.  It was my friend Elizabeth Whitney (who would succeed Jesse Unruh as State Treasurer on his death).  We had worked for Jesse in the 1970's when he ran for Treasurer.  I went on to law school and we hadn't spoken for years.  All the suits came over and said hello to Gordon and wanted to shake my hand, a nobody then and in their future.  But Gordon never believed me that I didn't set it up.