Gordon J. De Ruiter, age 81, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2017. He was born on August 22, 1936 in Grand Rapids, MI, to Gertrude and Henry De Ruiter. Gordon and his family relocated to Phoenix in 1966, where he had a long career in the airline industry as an Avionics Technician until his retirement in 1991. Gordon was an avid amateur radio operator and model railroad enthusiast. He is survived by his children, Laurence De Ruiter and wife Holly of Cabazon, CA, Robert De Ruiter and wife Kristi, James De Ruiter and wife Patricia, Daniel De Ruiter and wife Kathy, all of Phoenix, AZ, Karen Boggs of Dallas, TX,Thomas Amos and wife Suzie of Phoenix, AZ; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at Rosedale Memorial Park, 0-50 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. Gordon will be laid to rest with his parents who preceded him in death.