Mark Gordon

Mark Douglas Gordon, 72, a long-time resident of Jenison, Michigan, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021. Mark’s passing was peaceful as he was surrounded by his family. Mark was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 3, 1949. He was the youngest of three brothers, and he attended Caledonia High School and graduated in 1968. He was voted homecoming king among his peers, which was an early testament to his likable nature. Following high school, Mark attended some early college at Davenport, got married, and had three children. Mark made a career at Steelcase, spending 30+ years in production with the company. There, he made some life-long friends and met his second wife, Patty, with whom he was married for just over 40 years and had two daughters. Mark’s deepest joy in life was bringing his kids together to feed them with copious amounts of food, mostly meat. He never missed a Lions game, despite his constant disappointment in them as his home team. Mark also enjoyed a good story, a new gadget of any kind, a comfortable seat, the dogs in his life, and the rare treat of a McRib sandwich. Mark was a people person, even though he may not have admitted it. He made fast friends with most people, and he made lasting impressions with his charm, warm hospitality, and quirky sayings. Above all, Mark loved his family. He followed their lives as closely as he could, whether in person or through photos. Losing his oldest son broke his heart, and he is surely at greater peace having been reunited with Michael in heaven. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Loring Wesley; mother, Harriet Blain; brother, John; and son, Michael. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patty; son, James; daughter-in-law, Carey Gordon; daughter, Amy (Scott) Hoek; daughter, Mandy (Aaron) Thomas; and daughter, Robyn (Jason) Schopp. His grandchildren include Lauren Gordon, Morgan (Nate) Beard, Gabriel Gordon, Scott Hoek II, Elisabeth Karlie (Jeffery) MacDonald, Abby Hoek, Evelyn Gordon, Bridget Thomas, and Tristan Thomas. Mark also leaves behind two great-granddaughters, Amelia and Clara Beard; and his brother, Tom (Diane) Gordon. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Pastor Greg VanderMeer officiating. There will be a visitation on Tuesday, January 4, from 5–8 p.m. and Wednesday, January 5, from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends are encouraged to bring fond memories to share at the visitation. Donations in Mark’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society in remembrance of his son Mike and his mother, Harriet, who were both lost to cancer.