Arthur Gordon was known as a hard worker who took an active role in his community and as a gentleman. The former Westbrook city councilor and Maine senator died on Saturday at his home on Duck Pond Road surrounded by his family and his snow-covered, sleeping garden. He was 81 years old.
“He worked very hard,” said friend and fellow American Legion member Bob Barton. “He always gave of himself more than anyone I can think of. Altruistic is as good of an adjective as I can think of to describe Arthur.”
Born on May 6, 1924, to parents Arthur and Eva (Willard), Gordon had a long history of service for his community, for Westbrook, for Maine, and even for the country.
After graduating from Westbrook High School in 1942, Gordon was a member of the Maine Maritime Academy class of 1943. During World War II, he served as an officer in the merchant marines on tankers and on the famed Liberty ships, the civilian-made warships nicknamed the “American ugly ducklings.”
“He was either very brave or very foolish to be a merchant marine,” joked friend Stan Reynolds.
Gordon spent a career at S.D. Warren in the laboratory and finishing department until his retirement in 1987. During his career, Gordon was active in the United Papermakers Union Local 1069. He was also a founder of the Maine Labor Group on Health and its first president.
As well as being a senator in the 104th Maine State Senate, Gordon was a member of the city council here in Westbrook, the Westbrook Parks and Cemeteries Committee, and the Westbrook Historical Society. He made a hobby of collecting history on Duck Pond.
“We both enjoyed local history,” said his brother Robert Gordon. “We would swap stories (of local history) at family get-togethers and holidays and such.”
Gordon was active in the Highland Lake Church, where he served as a trustee and member of the building committee. He was also very active in the American Legion, where he helped get the Westbrook Historical Society moved from the old high school to the Legion basement.
“He was probably one of the most loyal members the Legion ever had,” said Barton. “He was a good and loyal friend who did countless things to help us. He would do everything from dishes to setting tables to working on the construction committee. We’re going to miss him a great deal.”
According to Reynolds, he was an avid gardener in his spare time. “He was a great gardener,” said Reynolds. “Every spring he had a whole bunch of plants going.”
According to his brother, he was “outgoing but not overly boisterous. And he enjoyed a good joke.”
“He was one of the most polite people I’ve ever known,” said Barton. “I’ve never known anyone as courteous.”
Gordon is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara (Huntley), as well as his brother Robert, two daughters, three grandchildren, a great grandson, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 4, at 1 p.m. at the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. Burial will follow some time in the spring at Highland Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Highland Lake Church, American Legion, or the Hospice of Southern Maine.
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