Gordon Standish

Gordon Oscar Standish, age 79, passed away October 27, 2018. Gordon was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan the son of Stiles and Leola Standish. He was a 1958 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and attended Western Michigan University. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966 at Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod, Massachusetts and at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. Gordon was employed by The Upjohn Company for 29 years in computer services. He attended First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo. He was a sports enthusiast playing baseball for Kalamazoo Central in high school and later bowling, playing hockey, golf, and coaching KOHA hockey and Little League baseball when his two sons played. Gordon was an avid Red Wings fan and enjoyed watching his sons, and later his grandchildren, participate in sports and musical productions. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his sons, their wives and their children. He was especially proud of their educational achievements, with 5 grandchildren currently in college and the two younger ones headed there soon. On August 25, 1962, he was united in marriage to Joyce Louise Wilkinson, who survives, recently celebrating 56 years of a blessed marriage. Also surviving are their sons, Brian Patrick Standish and his wife Greta (Kennedy) and Craig Steven Standish and his wife Lydia (Overmyer). His grandchildren were the light of his life. Margaret and Jacob Bruce, Nathaniel, Veronica, Megan, Benjamin, Kristina and Jennifer. They will remember him lovingly and share memories of family vacations, boat rides, special pancakes and cribbage games. He was loving and loved by his family. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Garold and his wife Joan (Mennes) and brother Leo Dean. He is survived by his brothers, Milo Allen (Regina) and Dennis (Freida) and brother in law, Thomas Wilkinson (Portia) and many nephews and nieces who will lovingly remember him. Additional family and friends will miss his fun-loving spirit, shown in recent years by his special shirts and his love of colorful neon. Visitation will be at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 East Centre on Thursday, November 1, 2018, from 7-8:30 p.m. Following private interment in Portage South Cemetery, a Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018, at First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, 315 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007, at 2:00pm followed by a light luncheon where you may visit with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. To view Gordon" personalized guestbook please visit www.langelands.com.