Kathleen Marte Gordon

“Our Kathie has departed us now, to her new and greater journey. How we shall miss you. Such kindness and joy you gave all who fell under your spell. You faced your two year battle with cancer with much dignity and courage, never complaining. Kathleen Marte Russell Gordon was born in 1949 at North Adams, Mass. Her military parents moved often, as far as Africa, before she settled into a life in the West. While attending high school in San Francisco, Kathie was introduced to me, (her husband-to-be, John), by my sister, Sally. I was hooked by Kathie’s long thick brown braids and soft, mesmerizing brown eyes. She’d become my brown-eyed girl! After college studies at San Francisco State and later, Chico State, Kathie joined me in Arizona. We married in 1970. My best man and brother, Todd, and my sister, Sally, stood at our sides. We were frequent visitors to Mexico, which influenced her art for the rest of her life. While living in Priest River, Idaho, Kathie began her 30 year career with the U.S. Forest Service. That career had us living in eight Western States. As we moved about, Kathie only asked that I ‘keep the boat fueled.’ What a lucky dog I was! Kathie’s zest for life, grabbed all near her, at music festivals; she’d dance for hours, ‘like a Willys in four wheel drive’. She loved the sun in her face and wind in her hair. She holds the family record for the largest King Salmon and how we shouted when she landed that giant halibut. Our six year life in Alaska proved to be the happiest in our 45 year marriage. Ask Tom Abbott. Kathie passed in Sally’s arms. The bright flash seen in the Saturday early morning sky was Kathie’s shooting star. Brother Rick hit the beautiful notes in his song to her: ‘Hey sister we miss you so.’ Thanks to Shawn Elizabeth for such unwavering care; Todd and wife, Catherine, have been so supportive; Dad (Jack Gordon), the head of the family, was at her side daily and was present when Kathie departed; Sister Suz, chased away the blues with her infectious laughter; Brother Scott, took us to Bellingham from Arizona, 33 years ago; and now, we share our stories with friend Patti. Thank you sister Sal on passing along the ‘zen’ of huckleberry pie. Me, John, a lucky dog. Kathie and I would be so pleased if donations of thanks be directed to Hospice House of Spokane: 121 S. Arthur, Spokane, WA 99210. Melissa, you do have special powers! That 2 year battle with cancer was worth it. We Won! Finally, if you should find yourself among a gaggle of ravens, listen carefully for Kathie’s wonderful, bright caw. God Bless You….” JOHN “A note: We’ll all join in at Isaac Gordon and wife, Danielle’s house of infinite joy ~ The Left bank Wine Bar ~ to share stories of Aunt Kathie. She loved Ike. A special thanks: Cuz Steven Guilliams, Brother Rick and Deb Gordon, Jim and Lynda Gordon, so giving of the spirit; and Brother Todd and Catherine (Kathie’s best buddy in Chico); also, to Patti Grantham, another brown-eyed girl; and an old family friend, Annie Wentworth in Portland.”