During the Depression Era, the Stavig family moved to Seattle, WA, eventually settling in the Lake City area, just northeast of downtown. Gordon attended Lincoln High School then joined the US Navy. He proudly served in the Korean War.
Gordon returned to Seattle after his service and with help from the G.I. Bill, he graduated from the University of Washington with all ‘A’s and just two ‘B’s. He was named Phi Beta Kappa in the UW Business School in both his Junior and Senior years, earning very high honors and his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
After graduation, Gordon worked for Price Waterhouse, where he earned his CPA certification. The healthcare field intrigued Gordon, and he became CFO at Virginia Mason Medical Center. He was there until 1969, when he started his own healthcare company, Medical Reimbursement Advisors (MRA).
MRA assisted hospitals throughout the United States in navigating Medicare and Medicaid payment issues. From a very modest beginning, Gordon built MRA into a highly successful company, with 8 regional offices and approximately 100 employees. A true pioneer in the healthcare consulting industry, Gordon’s foresight, intelligence, and persistence were so admired in his field, that many considered him a “legend”.
In 1980, Gordon married his true soulmate, Joan Stavig. For 37+ years, Gordon and Joan shared a truly special and incredibly happy life together. In 2010, Gordon was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (a blood cancer). For 8 years, he battled the cancer bravely. Equally courageous in the fight was his wife, Joan. Untiring in her efforts, Joan gave Gordon the very best care possible as they faced his illness together. Joan’s undying love, persistence with doctors, her unwavering support, and her tender care are the reasons Gordon smiled and thrived despite the disease.
Gordon truly enjoyed his life. He loved his family and friends so purely, and he had a big heart. Gordon’s warm personality, sense of humor, generosity and, most importantly, his kindness will be remembered by all. He enjoyed each day with his friends and family and especially with his true love by his side until the very end.
Gordon is survived by his loving wife, Joan and three children, Art (& Annette) Stavig, Tracy (& David) King, and Steve (& Martha) Stavig. He has six grandchildren (Meghan, Kirsten, Andrea, Arthur Jr, Katy & Kristy) and two step grandchildren (Haylee and Trey). Gordon was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Darrell Stavig, and sister, Linda Mortland.
Funeral services will be on Friday, March 2nd at 2 pm at Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155.
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