After a short, but courageous, battle with cancer we are saddened to share that Robert (Rob) F. Gordon, 42, passed away on June 3, 2024 He was surrounded by family and left this world knowing how much he is loved. He was born in Centralia, Washington, on Dec. 26, 1981, to Kim (Gordon) Laymon and Robert C. Gordon. Rob graduated from Centralia High School and studied engineering at Washington State University.
Rob was a lifelong resident of Bucoda, where he spent his life serving his community. He joined the Bucoda Volunteer Fire Department before the age of 16 and served many years as the assistant fire chief. He has been a council member and most recently served as the mayor of Bucoda. Rob brought about many huge and positive changes to the town he loved so much. Rob was self-employed and worked for the family company, Gordon Enterprises LLC, that he co-owned with his brothers after his father’s passing in 2006. He drove dump trucks and log trucks and was especially proud of his new Kenworth self-loader log truck. He was a mechanic and jack of all trades and could fix anything. Rob found profound joy in working the family farm, haying and raising black angus cattle. He loved collecting old International Tractors and used his carpentry and engineering skills to build the most amazing and beautiful barns. Most of all, though, he loved teaching his son the skills needed to be a good farmer, trucker and man.
Rob was a man of integrity, dedication, passion and always had a cheerful outlook, even during the toughest times. He was so many things to everyone. An amazing father, husband, son, brother, uncle, leader, mentor, teacher, grant writer, kind soul and good friend. He treated everyone with respect and always could be counted on. His positive attitude was refreshing and, even when faced with adversity, he would always say, “One day at a time.” He appreciated everyone in his life.
Rob is survived by his wife, Miriam Gordon, and their children, Jakob and Anna; his mother, Kim, and stepfather, Mike Laymon; grandmother Marian Brown; brothers Ryan (Marisa) Gordon and Jon (Tabatha) Gordon; in laws, Mike and Viola Rendon; sister-in-law, Meagan (Chris) Chitwood; brother-in-law, Michael Rendon; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert C. Gordon.
A celebration of life is planned for June 15 at 2 p.m. at River Bend Ranch, 2841 184th SE, Tenino, Washington. We ask you to bring your favorite potluck dish to share. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in his memory to the Bucoda Firefighter’s Association.
