DENVER, Colo. – Lieutenant Colonel William “Bill” or “Flash” S. Gordon III passed away on January 2, in Denver. He is lovingly remembered by his family, dear friends, and many colleagues.
Bill was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on October 26, 1939, to his parents, William S. Gordon II and Lillian (Giraitis) Gordon. He spent most of his childhood in Wethersfield, Conn. Bill graduated from Tufts University with a degree in Economics and joined ROTC there. Bill played soccer and did competitive swimming while in college.
After graduating, he joined the Air Force and served for many years as a pilot and weapons training instructor, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. Bill served bravely in the Vietnam War, completing more than one hundred missions over two tours and earning a Purple Heart. Bill later worked at the Pentagon for the Air Force. He also earned an MBA from Auburn University.
Over the years, Bill enjoyed riding and showing horses. After retiring from the Air Force, Bill became a ski instructor in Breckenridge, Colo. Bill taught skiing for over thirty years. In retirement, Bill enjoyed splitting his time between Breckenridge and his home on Caspian Lake in Greensboro, Vt. Bill led motorcycle rides throughout Vermont and surrounding areas. In addition, Bill was keen on biking and once organized a group ride that ran the length of Vermont. Bill was also an avid enthusiast of aerobatics. He was both a participant and judge of aerobatics competitions nationwide. Bill was very fond of spending time at the Morrisville-Stowe Airport where he flew small planes and gave glider rides.
Bill was a loving father to his two children. He is survived by his son, William Taylor Gordon (Evergreen, Colo.), and his daughter, Stephanie Salgado (Honolulu, Hawaii). He will be deeply missed by his cousin, John Loeb and wife Anna Belle (Greensboro, Vt.), and four grandchildren, Lifko, Simon, Kainoa and Kailani.
A memorial get-together was held in Breckenridge on January 19, at the Base Nine Lounge at Beaver Run. A military funeral will follow in June at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, Vt.
Bill, you will always be in our hearts and will be greatly missed.
