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1938 - 2013
 Gordon L Stauffer, a much loved husband, father and grandfather, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, June 14th, 2013. Gordon, or Gordy , as his friends and son called him, was born on August 5th, 1938 in Muskegon to Frederic Boyd Stauffer, Sr. and Dorothy Mae Cox-Stauffer. His mother died giving birth to Gordon, so he never knew his mother. He was raised by his father for a short period of time, along with his older brother, Frederic Boyd Stauffer, Jr. He then went to live with his grandparents until they moved to Florida. The brothers were then raised in an orphanage until their elderly aunt and uncle, Minnie and Wilfred Booty Cashbaugh took them in. Gordon graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1956. While in high school, he became very interested in photography and would continue with this hobby until the day he passed away. He was the team photographer for many different sports (Go Tigers!)at Muskegon Heights. Gordon worked many jobs putting himself through college, including a stint for the Muskegon Chronicle, working at Lees Funeral Home and driving an ambulance.
Anyone that knew Gordon knew that he bled green. He was a diehard MICHIGAN STATE fan. He graduated from MSU in 1962 with a B.A. in Business and minors in economics and finance. He has been a big supporter of MSU athletics, having front row season tickets for football on the 40 yard line, as well a courtside season tickets for basketball for the last 15 years. He shared his love of MSU athletics with his many friends and family over the years. Most people that Gordon knew were able to attend a game or two with him, even if they were for the other team . (Jimmy Davis, were talking about you!) Gordon has one of the biggest MSU sports collections around. He has traveled with Tom Izzo and the MSU basketball team many times over the last several years, which gave him immense joy.
Gordon was a lover of music. His favorite genre was Dixieland Jazz, often bringing jazz bands to perform in Greenville. But he loved all music, from Rod Stewart to Kid Rock, whom he met at a MSU basketball game 2 years ago. He also loved to travel. From Alaska to Germany to Russia, and all points in between, he enjoyed learning about new cultures. He and his wife also loved visiting their second home in Pompano Beach, Florida.
In 1971, Gordon moved his family from Muskegon to Greenville as he began working for Fedders Corporation in Greenville as the Director of Purchasing. In 1975, he was promoted to President-General Manager of Fedders Corporation. In 1978, he, along with business partner and friend Jack Goodale, acquired the company from Fedders and changed the name to Northland Corporation. The company was his pride and joy. He loved coming into work every day and continued working at the company until the day he passed away. Gordon and Jack purchased other companies together, such as Metal Componets, Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI , Flexible Furniture Inc. in Plainwell, MI, and Marvel Industries in Richmond, IN. In 2003, they sold Northland Corporation to AGA Food Service out of the U.K. and the company was renamed AGA Marvel, out of Greenville, MI. Gordon continued on with the company, along with his son, Brad.
Gordon was very active with numerous business and manufacturing boards, including past stints as Director of AHAM (Assoc of Home Appliance Mfr), Chairman of AHAM, Director of Michigan Chamber of Commerce PAC, Director of the Financial Group of Macatawa Bank, Director of National Assoc of Manufacturers (NAM), Director and chairman of the Executive Committee of Grand Bank in Grand Rapids, V.P. of Board of Trustees of United Memorial Hospital in Greenville, Member of Advisory Council of Small Business with The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Member of YPO (Young Presidents Organization), Director of MSU Development Board, Midwest regional chairman of Council of Small Business through the US Chamber of Commerce, President of the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce, Delegate to the 1986 and 1995 White House Conferences on Small Business, Director of Montcalm Co Economic Development Corp, Chairman of the Stan and Blanche Ashe Foundation.
Gordon was very helpful in many area fundraising efforts. He and his family established the Brian L Stauffer Memorial Scholarship Fund that is awarded to a graduating Greenville High School senior going to MSU, in memory of his beloved son. He also generously donated during the United Memorial Spectrum Health fundraising efforts for the new additions to the hospital, to the building of the M-Tech Center and the Flat River Library.
On July 21st, 1961, he married Sherry Anne Forton. She survives him. Married for almost 52 years, they enjoyed living at The Lake with their beloved dogs. Gordons favorite time of the day was early morning, w/a cup of coffee in hand sitting in his old Adirondack chair on the dock watching the mist over the lake with his faithful dog, Max, at his feet. Gordon and Sherry had 5 sons. He is survived by Kevin and Shanda Stauffer, Brad and Jen Stauffer, and Tim and Nicole Stauffer. He is also survived by grandchildren Sydney, Noah, Lauren, Ian and Colin Stauffer; brother and sister in law Mike and Jill Forton, nephew Maxwell Forton; brother and sister in law James and Lonnie Forton; niece Robin Stauffer. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brian L. Stauffer on June 10th, 1995. The loss of Brian forever altered the course of his life and Gordon would never be the same. He also is preceded in death by an infant son, Matthew, on the same June 10th day, many years earlier; his parents Frederic and Dorothy Stauffer, and brother Frederic Boyd Stauffer, Jr. His beloved dog , Max, will now be reunited with his best friend.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday June 19, 2013 at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church in Greenville Michigan with the Reverend Jill Forton officiating. Visitation will be from 4 PM to 8 PM Tuesday at Hurst Funeral Home in Greenville. In Lieu of Flowers, the family has suggested memorial contributions be given to the Brian L. Stauffer Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Greenville Area Community Foundation, 101 N. Lafayette St. Greenville MI 48838.
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There are currently 48 condolences.
Joe McGuire
Wednesday June 26, 2013 at
4:30 PM
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Sherry, Brad and the entire family, on behalf of the Board of Directors and members of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) please accept our condolences on the passing of Gordon. He was a significant leader in the appliance industry having served two terms as Chairman of the Board of Directors of AHAM. He also received AHAM's highest award for service to the industry, the Home Appliance Industry Leader (HAIL) Award. More than that he was a dear friend to many, many people in our industry. His vision, devotion, passion and loyalty were impressive and instrumental in the achievements of the appliance industry's trade organization.
Sincerely, Joe McGuire, AHAM President.
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Kirk Maxon & Liana McCarty
Tuesday June 25, 2013 at
11:18 AM
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Brad & Jen...We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our many thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Evelyn Moore
Saturday June 22, 2013 at
4:11 PM
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My thoughts and prayers to all of Gordon's family. Brad, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. My sincere Condolence.
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Teresa Smith
tsmith@terragreenceramics.com
Friday June 21, 2013 at
3:24 PM
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I just received word of Gordon's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. He will be remembered by many.
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Shannon Eastridge
Friday June 21, 2013 at
2:10 PM
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Very sorry for your loss. Many prayers to all of Gordon's family and friends.
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Gweneth (Hutchinson) Russcher
Thursday June 20, 2013 at
12:52 PM
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Our Aunt Minnie & Uncle Butch would have been very proud of Gordon and all his achievements.
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Robert McBryde
Wednesday June 19, 2013 at
3:01 PM
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Gordon was kind and caring person. He was a successful businessman who treated all with respect regardless of worldly stature. He will be missed. My prayers are with his family.
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Kim Harris
Wednesday June 19, 2013 at
2:46 PM
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So sorry to hear of Gordon's passing. He was a great and kind man who I always enjoyed working with. Brad - your family is in our prayers!
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Jim Coy
Wednesday June 19, 2013 at
1:32 PM
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I am saddened to hear about the loss of Gordon. My deepest regrets for your loss to the Stauffer Family and Friends. Gordon would like to know the Marvel Grapevine still works.
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Rosie Glover
Wednesday June 19, 2013 at
12:33 PM
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I am so sad to hear of Gordon's passing. He was a great man and will be missed by so many people. My prayers are with the family.
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Marla Jansing
marla.jansing@comcast.net
Wednesday June 19, 2013 at
12:18 PM
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My thoughts and prayers to the Stauffer Family. So sorry for your loss.
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William N. Harris
Wednesday June 19, 2013 at
8:36 AM
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I just got news last night of Gordon's passing and I was very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and the deepest sympathies go out to the Stauffer family.
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Ken & Kristen Michael
Tuesday June 18, 2013 at
11:37 PM
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So sorry for yor loss. I hope you can find solace in knowing that Gordie and Brian are reunited, you have our depest sympathies.
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Bob & Marcie Holding
Tuesday June 18, 2013 at
7:31 PM
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Dear Sherry and family: We are deeply saddened by the news of Gordon's death. A fine and wise gentleman who was so helpful to me in our business days as a colleague, as well as a friend. We share your grief and sympathize with your loss.
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Harry McQuay
Tuesday June 18, 2013 at
5:53 PM
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Brad; We are saddened to hear about the loss of your father. Our thoughts go out to you and your family at this time. Always cherish the fond memories of your father that you have.
Sincerely;
Harry McQuay
Your fellow work associate
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siriman sidibe
Tuesday June 18, 2013 at
10:33 AM
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I will remember forever your cordial greetings every day at work the last one on Thursday June 13th when and we talked briefly about the weather without knowing that was our last conversation &
I will missed receiving your email about photography a passion we share both
Rest in peace Gordon!
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Irene Hizelberger
pimm_h@hotmail.com
Tuesday June 18, 2013 at
9:06 AM
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Dear Sherry and family,
I only have fond memories of Gordon. For the many years that you were owners at the Weathervane, Gordon was an involved owner and board memeber. His knowledge and insite were welcomed and sought after. His way of making everyone feel like his close friend was a gift to everyone he knew. He will be missed. From Irene and the staff at the Weathervane Terrace.
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Brenda Durden
Tuesday June 18, 2013 at
8:18 AM
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Dear Family: I send you my heartfelt condolences. Gordon knew my husband from the appliance industry. My husband passed away in 2011 unexpectedly. Gordon came to the funeral in Mississippi. He was that kind of man. I know your pain and I know your loss.When I went with Liston to business gatherings, I remember I think that Gordon always liked Makers Mark. I didn't know what it was until then. May you deeply experience God's Presence during these difficult days. He will always be near you, as Liston is with me.
Peace and love,
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Kenneth Lee
Monday June 17, 2013 at
10:39 PM
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Gordon was a kind gentleman that I recently met at the AHAM meetings in May in Washington D.C. We sat together on a bus which took us to the Canadian Embassy. During our conversation, it became obvious that he was a man who deeply loved his wife and family. He was also a man of action and passionate about the things he believed in.
I am so very sorry to hear of his passing and extend my deepest regrets and sincerest prayers on behalf of the family.
Ken
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Kenneth M. Lee
Monday June 17, 2013 at
10:32 PM
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Grange Furniture, Inc.
Monday June 17, 2013 at
5:06 PM
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Our deepest regrets for your loss to the Stauffer Family. I'm sorry we did not know Gordon, he sounds like an amazing man. Our hearts go out to you in this time of need.
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Deb Comden
Monday June 17, 2013 at
3:14 PM
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I worked with Gordon for 18 years at Northland, he was a tough boss, but he also had the soft side, enjoyed many Christmas parties with him and many events he hosted. I always enjoyed running into him and chatting. My sincere sympathy to the Stauffer family, he will be greatly missed, but always remembered. Deb Comden & Family
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Maureen Pomeroy Wolverton
Monday June 17, 2013 at
2:58 PM
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Sending our deepest condolences to the Stauffer family. With Love, Maureen, Marc, Emma & Sean
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Bob Bernecker
Monday June 17, 2013 at
2:42 PM
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Dear Stauffer Family. I met Gordy when we both served on the MSU Development Council in the 1990's
It turned out we knew some of the same people although I graduated from Holland High in 1956
My sincere condolences He was a great guy! God Bless
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Penny Dora
Monday June 17, 2013 at
1:44 PM
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My husband and I send our most sincere condolences to the Stauffer family. Gordon was a wonderful man and we will miss him dearly. He was always so very kind to me and I will be forever blessed to have known him. Glenn and I will especially miss the many conversations we shared with him while he showed us all those pictures he kept in his wallet!
Our sincere sympathy to your family
From Glenn and Penny Dora
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Bill and Lou McDonald
Monday June 17, 2013 at
1:23 PM
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We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We have always thought of Gordy as a great neighbor. You and your family are in our prayers.
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MARTY FRIEDMAN
Monday June 17, 2013 at
12:46 PM
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Gordon was amazing. I knew him from the Marvel Company in Richmond, Indiana, where he made the company a success. He knew how to listen, and he was a super star in selling. He wrote a testimonial in my recently published book which is now on the back cover. He should be an inspiration to all who start from humble beginnings. You Can Too.
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Larry & Susan Anstett
Monday June 17, 2013 at
11:49 AM
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Our deepest sympathy to the entire Stauffer family & friends. We have lost a great leader and will all benefit from his legacy. Gordy was a gentleman and will be missed. Our prayers & thoughts are with you all.
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The Nitengales
Monday June 17, 2013 at
11:47 AM
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Kevin, Shanda, Sydney & Noah - So sorry to hear of the loss of your father and grandfather. We are praying for you!
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Paul & Deb Skarl
Monday June 17, 2013 at
8:32 AM
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Our thoughts and prayers to the Stauffer family. Know that we are thinking of you in your time of sorrow. "Gordy, You now have the best parking spot of all" May you rest in peace our friend.
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Dean Dykstra
Monday June 17, 2013 at
8:28 AM
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Sherry, Brad and Jen, Kevin and Shanda, you have my sincere sympathy! Gordon was a great man, and he will be missed.
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Pauline Merle Stepanek
Sunday June 16, 2013 at
2:03 PM
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Sherry and Family, I grew up two
doors away from Gordy on Jefferson
Street and have many happy memories
of school days. He always had at
least two jobs. My heart goes out
to you for your loss.
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Jim & Kathy Jo VanderLaan
Sunday June 16, 2013 at
1:58 PM
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A great friend to the Greenville community, who will be greatly missed. Sympathies to all of the Stauffer family. If there is a business department in Heaven, we know it will only benefit from Gordon's knowledge, acumen and generosity!
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Carl & Alison Barberi
Sunday June 16, 2013 at
11:19 AM
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Deepest sympathies to the Stauffer family. Gordon and family members provided Carl and I with such wonderful, precious memories because of everyone's generosity. So much to him we didn't know. Explains his generosity, kindness, hard work ethic and zest for life. May your memories warm your hearts for years to come. Fondly and with sadness - The Barberi Family
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Sarah Cloud Peterson
Saturday June 15, 2013 at
9:31 PM
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You are in my aching thoughts and prayers. My first thoughts about Gordon, whenever he came up in family conversation or events, were gentle kindness, intelligence, generosity, and those really fun pool parties we were invited to -- heaven for us kids!
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Abigail Cloud
Saturday June 15, 2013 at
7:29 PM
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My deepest condolences and prayers to you, my family. Gordon's smile lights up my memory--the joy he took in things will always be a guide for me. Love to all of you.
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Linda Foote
Saturday June 15, 2013 at
3:02 PM
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Sherry and family, I don't know what to say, other than my heart is very sad today. Love to you all.
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Mike & Linda Sinclair
Saturday June 15, 2013 at
9:30 AM
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Sherry and family, our hearts are filldwith saddness for you and your family. Holding you all up in prayers for comfort.Please let us know if there is anything we can do.~ Mike & Linda
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Chris Beechler
Saturday June 15, 2013 at
7:42 AM
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Gordon was a great guy, always had a smile on his face and would take time to talk with you. He will be missed. Our thoughts go out to the family.
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Teri Comstock
Friday June 14, 2013 at
9:32 PM
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Gordon will be missed by so many. He was a very kind man. I am blessed to have known him. God bless his wife Sherri and family.
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T
Friday June 14, 2013 at
9:30 PM
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Barry Huffman
Friday June 14, 2013 at
8:41 PM
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I am sorry to hear of your loss.
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David & Doreen Walenga
Friday June 14, 2013 at
5:36 PM
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Our thoughts and prays are with all the of the Stauffer family. Prays are with all
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David & Doreen Walenga
Friday June 14, 2013 at
5:24 PM
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My thoughts and prayer are with the Stauffer family. God Bless and sending love to the family
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Kaye & Dean Jensen
Friday June 14, 2013 at
3:00 PM
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We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Gordon will greatly missed by many.
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KATHY AND DAVID MERRITT
Friday June 14, 2013 at
12:01 PM
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Stauffer family,
So saddened to hear of Gordon's passing. He was a great man and will be missed. Hugs and prayers to you all especially during this difficult time.
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Lisa Persall
Friday June 14, 2013 at
12:00 PM
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My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gordon made a big impact on so many peoples lives in such a positive way. He will be missed greatly by many. I feel blessed to have known him.
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Tom Shrader
Friday June 14, 2013 at
9:26 AM
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My condolences to the entire Stauffer family. Gordy was one of the best! Great guy, extremely humble and gracious. I always enjoyed catching up with him when back in Greenville. He will be missed by all.
Tom Shrader
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