Mugwump founder dies; family says the party's over.

Robert Gordon always claimed he'd live to be 100. And he came close.

The 85-year-old retired postal worker and founder of the annual Mugwump festival near Naperville died Wednesday from complications from a Sept. 16 fall at his home.

His wife, Vi, said Gordon slipped while tending to a bonfire in his yard. He was taken to Edward Hospital and never regained consciousness after a procedure to stop internal bleeding near his brain caused by his fall.

“He was in very good health and he knew how important it was to take of himself. We really did think he'd make it past 100,” Vi said. “It really is a shame it had to happen this way.”

As for the annual Mugwump celebration that draws about 300 people annually, she said the 42nd party in July was the last.

“That was his baby. He lived for that party and seeing all of his friends and family celebrating life and hanging out together,” Vi said. “I hate to say it, but Mugwump died with Bob.”

Since 1969, several hundred friends and family members came from near and far to camp out on Gordon's 3.5-acre parcel near Plank Road and Naper Boulevard for a weekend of eating, drinking and live music.

Though she plans on spreading the word that the party is over, she realizes the attendees may descend upon her home next summer for a memorial of sorts.

“I'll cross that bridge when I come to it,” she said.

Jack Gorey, neighbor and Mugwump supporter of 25 years, said Gordon already is missed.

“He lived for the party,” Gorey said. “But more importantly he was a stand-up guy and a great neighbor.”

Aside from his love of having a good time and watching others have a good time, family members say Gordon was also a good father.

Vi said she and Robert would have celebrated their 37th anniversary on Christmas Day. She said they met at Parents Without Partners, an organization for the divorced and widowed and dated for three years before they wed. They each had two daughters

Vi's daughter, Vicky Martinez, said Gordon strongly believed the family was complete when he married Vi. He raised all the girls as if they were his own.

“He was a bullheaded, stubborn old man, but most of the time he was right about things,” Martinez said. “Really he was trying to always encourage everyone to do their best and live up to their potential.”

His spirit is summed up on a totem pole he commissioned to be carved from a damaged cottonwood tree in his yard. Two banjo-playing hogs, in honor of the two pigs roasted each year, are featured along with an eagle, a bear, the phrase “Don't Ever Give Up” and the Mugwump motto “Heaven World Without Greed.”

The pole was partially complete but on display for July's Mugwump. Vi said the artist completed it Wednesday.

“Bob had the money put away to pay him so I said go ahead and finish it. I just wished he could have seen it.”

Martinez believes he can see it from where he is now.

“My personal belief is that he chose to hang on as long as he did. He knew the weather would be beautiful this weekend when everyone comes to see him,” she said. “I also think he waited until Oct. 4 to give the world a big ‘10-4 Good Buddy' on his way out.”

Vi said Gordon will be wearing his 42nd annual Mugwump T-shirt and favorite black sweatpants Saturday when his wake and visitation will be in the garage of their home at 25W351 Plank Road in Naperville. Mayor George Pradel, who grew up with Robert Gordon, will read a eulogy at 4 p.m.