This memorial website was created in the memory of our father.

Gordon W. Pappas 1922 – 2017

Gordon William Truman Pappas passed away on November 19^th, in Pleasanton, CA. Born in 1922 to William and Doris Pappas in Duluth, Minnesota, Gordon was the oldest of five children. He met the love of his life, Ruby Ann Mattson, in 1940, while studying music at Duluth State Teachers’ College. His studies were interrupted when he joined the United States Army in 1942. Corporal Pappas was captured by German forces near the end of WWII, and survived hundreds of miles of forced marches by eating potatoes found on the paths, and composing symphonies in his head as he marched. When the war ended, he was liberated, discharged, and sent home to the waiting arms of Ruby Ann. He quickly married her in 1945, and then completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Social Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. Gordon began his career in education, teaching music and math at Columbia High School in Richland, Washington. Both Gordon and Ruby were heavily involved in the vibrant musical life of this post-war community, while also raising the first four of their five children. During this time he also earned his Master of Arts Degree in Music Education from his beloved alma mater, UMD.

In 1960, Gordon accepted a teaching position at the newly-built Pacific High School in San Leandro, California, and the young family moved to Castro Valley. For over 20 years Gordon enjoyed a satisfying career at Pacific, teaching music, math, and social studies. After retirement, Gordon and Ruby began a series of travel adventures that led them to many foreign places including Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. In 1985-86 they moved to the Dominican Republic where they both taught at an International School in Santo Domingo (Ruby taught 1^st grade, while Gordon taught high school mathematics).

Apart from his professional commitment to education, Gordon was also a vital, contributing member of the Castro Valley community. He served as a choir director for nearly 20 years at the First Baptist Church. When Ruby accepted an organist position at Faith Lutheran Church, he followed her, becoming an active parishioner and enthusiastic choir member there as well. Forever a music lover and creator, Gordon was a loyal member of several local community bands and symphonies and could be counted on to contribute his bright trumpet stylings whenever and wherever needed. In his final years, he was a devoted congregant at Holy Cross Episcopal Church.

Following the death of his beloved Ruby, and after 53 years of enjoying Castro Valley as his home-town, Gordon moved to the Stoneridge Creek Retirement Community in 2013. While living there, he thrived as new friendships were formed, and new outlets for his creativity were discovered. Suffering a fall a few weeks prior to his passing, he was cared for as he convalesced in the adjacent Creekview Skilled Nursing Facility.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother Walter, and sisters Muriel and JoAnn. He is survived by his sister, Helen Kensel of Duluth, MN. Carrying on his legacy of a love for music and learning and faith are his children, Niki (Dennis) Allison of Placerville, CA, Michael (Candy) Pappas of Tigard, OR, Paul (Gretchen) Pappas of Livermore, CA, Christine (Peter) Kyhn of Phoenix, AZ, and Annie (Rob) Jones of Wheatland, CA, his grandchildren Sam, Joe, David, Josh, Eliza, Emily, Matt, Alex, and Nate, 14 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 19179 Center Street, Castro Valley, CA, on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at 2:00 PM. Gordon’s children are also hosting a reception the following day, Sunday, January 7^th, at Stoneridge Creek Retirement Community, to express their gratitude and affection for the wonderful friends and companions Gordon grew to love during his four years of residency in this vibrant community.