Elgin man served to the very end

Lewis Gordon was a man who cared about the community. He is a past president of the Gail Borden Library board and the Sherman Men’s Health Alliance, a charter member of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church and a member of Elgin’s Planning and Development Commission up until his death Saturday at 73.

Gordon was born in Milwaukee but graduated from Arlington High School before heading to Indiana for a mechanical engineering degree at Purdue University. Work brought him to Elgin where he eventually started an engineering company called Midland Standard Industries, once employing up to 50 people in designing and producing circuit boards.

Gordon’s family, friends and colleagues will remember an organized man who was good at getting things done.

At Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, aside from the many committees on which he volunteered, he served as a presbyter and made sure all of the roles were filled during worship services.

“No matter what role he played, he was truly one of the pillars of the congregation,” Pastor Keith Fry said.

Fry said he shied away from the limelight, preferring to serve and help others without recognition or praise.

Robert Gordon, Gordon’s oldest son, said his father loved to read and was passionate about the local library. He served on the Gail Borden Library board for many years, including as president, before going on to serve at the state and national level.

Gordon’s service on Elgin’s Planning and Development Commission continued right up until the end of his life.

“I wish more people would volunteer as much as he did,” Robert Gordon said. “A little bit every month and the world would be a much better place.”

Gordon suffered from nonalcoholic cirrhosis of the liver and diabetes, according to his son. Ultimately, he died of liver failure, surrounded by his family.

Private services will be held at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church. Gordon’s family is requesting memorials be made to the church in lieu of flowers.