Jonathan Cohen

I was a dormmate, suitemate and housemate of Gordon (and Bill Siegel) for all four years at Oberlin.  We shared many interesting times and experiences.

Gordon was from southwest Viriginia, not far from the WVa border.  So he had quite a pronounced southern drawl which was new to me having grown up in the Great Lakes region.  But I didn't know what a southern drawl really was until I had the opportunity to visit Gordon and his family at his home.  Back in his native environs, his drawl became so thick that I could barely understand what he was saying.

One of our more enjoyable (and at times nerve-wracking) shared experiences was when Gordon, Bill and I would have to come up with dozens of questions for the weekly quiz show on WOBC entitled "College Question" which was hosted by Gordon and modeled after the old College Bowl show.  Of course, beyond the usual questions about pop culture and geography, the queries were heavily weighted toward whatever subjects we were studying at the time, which in Gordon's case, meant a lot of inquiries on English literature and history.

Gordon was quite the Southern gentlement and a real "mensch".  He had the remarkable ability to be friends with anyone and everyone, regardless of personality or background.  And as Sandy related, you could not see or speak with him for a long time, years even, and then pick up the conversation as if no time had passed.

It was a real loss for our class and the world at large when he was taken from us six years ago.  We're all the better for having known him.

Kenneth Martin

Hal Waldman

Gordon was the most memorable friend of my life.  He combined impeccable Southern manners with rare intelligence and a sneaky sense of humor.  Everbody loved Gordon and most people thought he was their best friend. He was an encyclopedia of knowledge in all areas particularly history, culture and especially sports.

Many of us became close as Freshman at Fairchild, an all male dorm when Oberlin made national news by instituting coed dorms.  It had the air of a fraternity without the negative connotations. Gordon was a linchpin of this group and kept us together long after we went our separate ways by visits, reunions and e mails.

Writing this post brings a melancholy spirit  remembering what a wonderful person he was.  He always had a smile partially obscured  by that bushy moustache. So many memories come to mind.  Sitting for hours in the dorms and the dining halls talking to him.  Playing catch at baseball practice.  Matching wits with him on history or sports trivia. 

Gordo, as he was sometimes known, went on to a brilliant career at Univeristy of Virginia Law School and Harvard for his Ph.d.  His C.V included many awards as best professor and he went all around the world as a visiting professor.

He was a remarkable friend and truly one of a kind.  He will alwayl be fondly remembered for those of us who had the priviledge to know him and call him friend.   

Clyde McGregor

I second all of the wonderful statements above about our dear friend. Away from OC, I had the privilege of living near Gordon and his wife Monica in the 1990's. At that time he was a professor at Chicago Kent School of Law.  As he described it to me, coming out of Harvard his best offer as a history professor paid half as much as the law school job. He is far from the only person to have finances influence a career choice, but it is unfortunate as he really aspired to the history role. Gordon, Monica, my wife Joan (also now deceased) and I played bridge together many evenings in the 90's. Although the bridge was lackluster, the conversation was always interesting and thoughtful. I, too, miss him greatly.