Gordon Ramsden

   A look into the soul of Gordon Thomas Ramsden would find a courageous FIGHTER, a creator of LOVE, and a heart of GOLD. Gordon Thomas Ramsden passed away on October 27, 2025, at the age of 95—less than 2 months from his 96th birthday.

   Born December 24 th , 1929, in Pasadena, California, to Fred and Lena Ramsden, he led a robust and dynamic life that touched many people and assembled countless friends.

   Gordon is survived by his wife of 75 years, Doris, son Gary (Cheri) and daughter Kim. Gordon and Doris also have three amazing grandchildren: grandson Jasen and granddaughters Raechel and Grace. They are also blessed with six great grandchildren, Cory, Savannah, Evelyn, Max, Emma, and Sam.

   In the early 1990’s, Gordon moved his ambitions from Southern California to Coeur d Alene, ID to start a retired life that was less than “retired!”

   If ever interviewed, Gordon would tell his friends that he lived 5 lives—a musician, a gambler, an executive, a business owner, and a caregiver. As a musician, he played his sax in the company of Stan Kenton and later formed a dance band called “The Third Herd.” As a self-proclaimed gambler, he had a keen eye for the ponies as well as holding the honorific title as a “Life Master” bridge player. His life as an executive started in the mail room of Prudential Insurance Company. Forty-three years later, he retired as an executive of the “Ordinary Agencies”—an important regional division of the company.

   Following his retirement from Prudential, Gordon rolled up his sleeves and created a Scottish sweater retail business highlighting his Scottish roots and called the company Chalice Sportswear. The name came from his daughter-in-law’s vision of a “country club” where all events carried a trophy and a Champion label.

   As time moved on, Gordon found that the “LOVE OF HIS LIFE” required his complete attention, so he focused his direction on the fulltime care of his wife of 75 years, Doris, until his final days.

   With all this being said, you can’t discuss Gordon’s life without including his recreations. A cowboy at heart, he had a distinct love of horses. GTR Rancho was the name of their home in Southern California, and this homestead sustained life to all 4-legged animals that lived within the fence line. His Daughter Kim became an accomplished rider and it was their vision that set the stage for a life’s journey.

   But …. You can not tell Gordon’s story without including a round ball and a club to hit it! In the early 1990’s, Gordon and Doris moved to Coeur d Alene, ID, and Gordon quickly joined the Avondale Golf Club. It didn’t take him long to become the club’s driving force of all things golf and social activities. Golf was a true love that he maintained through his final days in the Coeur d Alene area. Both Gary and Jasen enjoy the game to this day all due to Gordon’s direction and support.

   You can not conclude a review of Gordon’s life without this statement—Every person that interacted with Gordon loved him and called him their friend! There was a way about him that attracted all races and creeds, all genders—tall and short. He truly touched the souls of all that came into his company. He was a magnificent person who was loved by all—a testament that is rare and so very hard to find.

   God bless you Gordon Thomas Ramsden. We know He will have a place for you the moment you arrive.

   Grandpa… Dad… The greatest man who ever graced our presence, we love and miss you so much. There is a material void which will never be filled, but we still hear your voice, remember your charisma, and feel your presence. You live with us through stories and the memories will keep you alive.

   Words will never be able to express how we feel, but we know you’ll understand when we say, Grandpa/Dad, “I love you and “’I’ll see you….when I see you.’”