Robert L. Gordon, Jr – March 9, 2021

Robert “Bob” Lee Gordon, Jr. passed away on March 9, 2021 at 89 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Davis Gordon; three children – Robert III (Millie), Tamice Gordon Parnell (Isiah), and Derek (Pamela); brother George (Shirley); sister Sarah Weathersby (Ed); and ten grandchildren – Robert IV, Morgan, Whitney, Lindsay, Alexander, Michael, Daniel, William, Taylor and Jonathan, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Bob was born in Savannah, Georgia, the first-born son of Robert L. Gordon, Sr., an Episcopal Minister, and Georgia Frank Clayton Gordon. He earned a degree in fine arts education from Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). A 27-year career as an Army officer took him and his family all over the world. He served in the war zones of both Korea and Vietnam — where he won a Bronze Star; and took his family on tours of duty to New York, Virginia, Taiwan, Germany and Fort Carson, Colorado, where he eventually held the job of Director of Industrial Operations at the installation.  He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980, and made Colorado Springs his permanent home.

He began a second career when he joined the city government in Colorado Springs in 1981, first serving in the public utilities department. He was promoted to Department Head in 1983, running the city’s Support Services Department. At the time he was Colorado Springs’ highest ranking black executive, overseeing 173 employees, managing the city’s 2,500 vehicles, buildings and almost 400 other structures. He eventually became the city’s Deputy City Manager.  He retired from the city in 1991.

Besides his family and friends, Bob loved two things: fishing and the Denver Broncos.  His favorite fishing spots included Rampart Reservoir, Antero Reservoir, 11 Mile Reservoir and his favorite – Manitou Lake, where he caught his largest rainbow trout.  Bob was also an avid Broncos fan, and could be found at home often wearing his Broncos hat and jersey as he cheered on his favorite team during football season.

He was a former board member of both the Broadmoor World Arena and the El Pomar Foundation. An accomplished leader, Army officer, and mentor; and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Bob will be missed and remembered.

Bob’s memorial service, which will be a private service, will take place on Saturday, March 20. A public ZOOM livestream will be available at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81676325270?pwd=UE9RamJVU29aQXJBdTNjL1ZXWERpQT09, passcode 2021.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to UC Health Memorial Hospital Central ICU in recognition of its outstanding care to Bob during his last days.