Gordon Scott

Gordon was the youngest of brothers Buell, Cecil, Deane, Emmett and Forrest. His early years were spent in St. Paul, MN, where his parents ran a small coffee shop in the Depression. After his father's death in 1936, Gordon and his mother moved to Wenatchee, WA, near construction of the Grand Coulee Dam. They followed older brothers to Fresno in 1938. Gordon graduated from Fresno Tech H.S. and later Fresno State. He was a member of the Mu Alpha Delta fraternity, worked on the college newspaper and lettered in baseball.

Prior to graduating, Gordon enlisted in the Marine Corps V-12 Reserve program and was eventually sent to USC for academic and military training. He eventually became part of a much-heralded special Officer Candidate School class, which distinguished itself after being rushed into service in the Pacific Gordon participated in the landing and occupation of Iwo Jima.

Following WWII, Gordon returned to Fresno State to complete a degree in journalism. He also met Carol Ann Van Tuyl, who would become his wife, compass and constant companion for 64 years. Son Mark was born in 1949, during which time Gordon worked as a teacher and campus newspaper adviser at Fresno JC until reactivated for Korean War duty. Son Glenn was born just prior to his deployment.

In the early 50's, Gordon, Carol and kids, and eventually Grandma Crissie, joined a close neighborhood of young families on West Fedora Ave. Gordon taught at Longfellow and Washington JHS. In 1960 he was part of the team that opened McLane H.S., where he ultimately served as vice principal. During these years he served a term as Fresno State Alumni Association president and was an active supporter of the Fresno YMCA. Gordon attained the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves, following years of service during summers and evenings.

In the 1970's Gordon moved downtown to work on educational innovation programs and other administrative duties for FUSD. He retired as Assistant Superintendent for secondary education in 1980, after 31 years.

Gordon was active in retirement, serving on the EECU board of directors and doing wedding and special event photography. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, active with the Shiners.

Carol and Gordon traveled extensively. He also participated enthusiastically in barbershop singing and supporting the Fresno State Bulldogs, USA Volleyball and the Los Angeles Dodgers. These passions would ultimately be shared by his wife, sons, daughters-in-law Carol Mungle Scott (Mark) and Misako Matsuishi Scott (Glenn), and grandchildren Melinda, Matthew and Kevin.

In addition to his immediate family, Gordon is survived by sister-in-law Celia Scott, nephews Rollin (Elaine) and Andy, and by nieces Judy Botkin (George), Milissa Sotelo, Mary Phillips, Marvel Tierney, Patricia Rosenthal and their children and grandchildren.

Gordon has served as patriarch of the Scott family for many years. He is much loved and will be missed by family and friends. The family wishes to thank the owners and staff of Apricot Mornings Board and Care and St. Agnes Hospice Care for their loving attention.

A Memorial Service will be held at Ft. Washington Country Club on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 2 p.m.

Remembrances in Gordon's name may be made to Shriners Hospital of Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817.