Gordon D. Selkirk

SELKIRK, Gordon D.
Of Kalamazoo Passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, October 28, 2013 at his residence, surrounded by his entire family after a four-year battle with cancer. Gordon was born December 2, 1933 in Peoria, IL, the son of Gordon A. and Estelle Sering Selkirk. He was a 1956 graduate of Bradley University in Peoria with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was President of his class and his Fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. Gordon was a Warrant Officer in the US Army from 1956 to 1958 and served in the US Army Reserves until September of 1964. On July 14, 1956, he was united in marriage to his loving wife, the former Yvonne Pio. He then went to work for Wabco Truck in Peoria. In 1968, Gordon moved his family to Oshkosh, WI where he managed the Research and Development Lab of Oshkosh Truck. Ten years later, he moved once again to Kalamazoo to work for Eaton Truck as the Research Lab Manager. Though he retired in 1994, his life was far from sedentary. Throughout his retirement he embarked upon remodeling the family lake house, restoring his own vintage 1942 Harley Davidson, and volunteering with the Greater Kalamazoo United Way. He also worked meticulously to design and build a home he and Yvonne shared for his remaining years. Gordon never sat idle and he was always tinkering. No matter how small the project he proceeded with great organization, careful planning, and purposeful execution. He was never in a rush. Gordon was a loving husband, father and grandfather who never met a stranger. He would do anything for anyone. Some of his favorite sayings were: "Every day is a good day, some days are just better than others." "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." What you saw was what you got with Gordon; he was one of the last "good guys." Gordon is survived by his wife Yvonne, two children, Christine Bruce Schoenberger of Oshkosh, WI, Reed Pam Selkirk of Kalamazoo; eight grandchildren; Wade Selkirk, Ian Selkirk-Hable, Elliot, Cameron, Madison, Lainey, Gabriel, and Olivia Selkirk; his mother, Estelle Selkirk; and several nieces and nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his father, Gordon A. Selkirk, 1992; a son, Gordon B. Selkirk, 1990; and a brother, Lawrence Selkirk, 1970. Gordon was an active member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church. A memorial service to celebrate Gordon's life will be held on Saturday, November 9th at 10:00am at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, 421 Monroe St., Kalamazoo, MI, with Father Ken Schmidt, Celebrant. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at church with a brunch immediately to follow mass in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, West Michigan Cancer Center, or the charity of your choice. The Selkirk family wishes to extend a special Thank You to the West Michigan Cancer Center, most notably Dr. Chandana and his beloved staff, Hospice and the wonderful nurses who helped and all other family and friends that supported them throughout the entire journey.