I worked with Gordon some on the Redding genealogy.  I was very impressed with how he made sure all of his entries had source documentation.  He tried to show me the genealogy "ropes" whenver he was in Texas a couple years ago, but I'm not sure how much of it stuck.  I had intended on visiting with him further about that work, but will now have to regret it. Rest In Peace, Gordon. 
Michael W. Redding (Irving, TX)

During his work as Professor Emeritus I was fortunate to collaborate with Gordon Redding. His vast knowledge and understanding of (prism) adaptation that he shared with me during his visits in Bremen, Germany, enriched my PhD studies tremendously.
With his kindness and long fruitful scientific discussions, he encouraged me to continue my scientific work. I will keep Gordon in good memory.

Thank you, Gordon!

Dear Donna:

I was hoping to attend the memorial for Gordon but pressing family matters prevent me from doing so.  As you know, Gordon and I collaborated on research and professional writing for well over 30 years.  But more importantly, we were very good friends. I still cannot get over the fact that Gordon is no longer with us. I shall miss him greatly.  Rest in peace, dear friend.

Dear Donna and Mike,

I am so sorry for your loss.  As you know, Gordon and I remained friends after I left ISU, Bloomington, and the UU church---he even wrote me several letters of recommendation, leading to the career I know I am supposed to have.  At Christmas we shared news of our kids.  I will miss him tremendously. He was a good friend.

Gordon Redding was my advisor when I was an undergraduate student at Illinois State University.  Gordon was soft-spoken, kind, gracious, and patient.  He was my role-model for what college professors and scientists do.  I would sit in his office for long periods of time and listen to him think out loud, working through one scientific puzzle or another.  Leaning back, one foot propped on the trash can, lighting his pipe, yesterday's cold coffee dumped on a cactus plant that never slept.  Without him I might never have gone to graduate school.  Thanks, Gordon.

Dr. Redding was my first mentor.  He taught me the joy of scientific inquiry and critical thinking.  He was the consummate scientist, professor, and gentleman.  I owe the success of my career as a psychologist to him.  Rest in peace, Dr. Redding, and thank you.

To Gordon's Family,
Gordon and I shared Iron's family ancestors many generations back in Texas. He mentored me in my genealogy research, becoming a greatly valued teacher. He celebrated my discoveries, no matter how small, about our mutual family roots.  Although I never met him in person, I feel as though I came to know him a little. I shall miss his guidance but believe he will continue  in spirit.  May his light continue to shine upon on all of us.

To Gordon's Family,
Gordon and I were fellow ISU Professors, and we became close working colleagues at the UU Church.  After Gordon's multiple terms as a Board Member, he was President during my 2d term as a Board member.  He and I shared common interests in our desire to improve the Church, revise our policy documents, produce a 30-Year Plan, and generate statistics appropriate for the Church.  Following his Presidency, Gordon became the Church Archivist.  He helped in my chairing the Church Sesquicentennial and authoring a Church History Book.  I followed Gordon in leading a group to reorganize the Church Archives.  Gordon's contributions to the Church were voluminous.  I am glad that my wife, Judy, spent time with Gordon just prior to his passing, and I regret that I was unable to do that because I was in Texas.  Gordon and I had many enjoyable conversations about Texas.  Gordon did significant work on his family genealogy, and wanted to continue that work.  Judy and I will miss his Memorial Service because we'll be in Seattle.  Gordon, thank you for all that you did for our Church.  We will miss you.  Rest well, my friend.  Ed Hines, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, ISU.

OBITUARY

Gordon M Redding

April 18, 1939 – August 1, 2013

East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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