Gordy was well known in the neighborhood. My sister and I were among many children to see him as a kind and friendly grandfather. He had candy treats for any child who stopped by. Not only was he kind, but he was helpful. If you needed to have your lawn mower blade sharpened, he’d do it for you. There was many a winter where he would help plow the snow off a neighbors drive. Gordy had a lot of friends that would just stop by to talk, maybe with food or beer or invite him to dinner. My own late father stopped by many a time with beer, telling Gordy his dreams of traveling across the country in a big “camping car”. Gordy took it all in stride and seemed to enjoy his unofficial status of wise village elder. As time marched forward, so did those that knew Gordy best. All those neighborhood kids grew up, moved out and had kids of their own. One by one, all of Gordy’s golfing buddies were unable to play before themselves moving on. As strong and tough as Gordy was, the confines of old age prevented him from reaching out to the new wave neighbors as much as he wanted.