GUILDERLAND CENTER – Gordon Meeusen of Guilderland Center passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany, having spent most of that day with his entire immediate family. Gordon was born June 18, 1930 in Holland, Michigan to Simon and Gertrude Meeusen and attended Holland High School where he graduated with Honors in 1948. He was then inducted into the Great Lakes Naval Training Station to focus on electronics, and from there to serve with the U.S. Army in the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1953. In September of 1956 he wed Carol Diane Meeusen of Fonda, NY at the Fonda Reformed Church.
Gordon graduated from Hope College in 1957. He was a member of the Omicron Kappa Epsilon fraternity and, as a member of the touring Hope Chapel Choir, acknowledged as an accomplished vocalist. He graduated with a BA in Music and a Minor in English which led to a life-long dedication to the profession of teaching. As a teacher at Guilderland Central Schools he proved to be very popular twice being asked to be class advisor. He was also very active in both School-related and Church-related musical and sports events, continuing well past his retirement from teaching in 1990. Gordon was also an avid walker and hiker having twice hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back.
Gordon is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Carol Diane Drake Meeusen; his daughter Heidi; and two sons, Charles and Frederick.
Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers or gifts, friends of Gordon are encouraged to make a donation in his name to the Wildwood Foundation, 2995 Curry Rd Ext, Schenectady, NY 12303. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Aunt Gretchen and Sam
July 28, 2017 at 5:26 pmAlways thinking of you all~~~he surely will be missed, with all his wit & wisdom, especially by me
Nancy Esmay
July 28, 2017 at 7:52 pmFritz and Your family- my condolences for the loss of your dad. Never ran into your father at GCHS but now I know why Fritz was so musically inclined: your dad’s influence. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Hugs.
mark murphy
July 29, 2017 at 5:36 amThinking of you Dear Meeusens with love..
Mark E. Murphy
Barbara Westcott
July 29, 2017 at 5:37 amDiane,
It broke my heart to hear this news. Love and hugs, Barbara
Dan DePersis
July 29, 2017 at 5:46 amMy deepest condolences to you all. It was my privaledge to have known Gordie since the early sixties when I attended the Jr High School in Guilderland. He was a compassionate educator, a voracious world jumbler and a good friend. He will be missed.
james t nelson
July 29, 2017 at 5:59 amRest in Peace, My Teacher, My friend.
Jay Cusick ( class of 78)
July 29, 2017 at 7:56 amMr. Meeusen was the best teacher throughout my school years. He was able to make connections with students so much better than most teachers. He was warm hearted, generous and caring. What more could we ever ask of our teachers. He made a real impact on his students and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. He will be with us all forever. Rest well our good friend.
Karen Dillon
July 29, 2017 at 9:20 amTo the Meeusen Family. Gordon was a good, fun-loving , kind and interesting man. I always found his company enjoyable. It was a pleasure to know Gordon and see him at extended family gatherings. He will be missed.
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss of a great husband and father. Love to all of you, Karen Dillon
Dave Perlee
July 29, 2017 at 11:45 amA wonderful teacher and a wonderful man….
Dan Burger
July 30, 2017 at 2:56 amI have many fond memories of Mr. Meeusen (Gordon) in the halls of GCHS from when I was a student. He and his family were also close neighbors and friends. I imagine my mom (a Guilderland substitute teacher) might have been one of those welcoming him at the pearly gates. I pray peace and love to his family. He is loved and missed.
Jeff and Julie Smithson
July 30, 2017 at 8:01 pmDeeDee, Fritz, Chuck and Heidi, our deepest condolences to your family. Gordon was always so kind to us and we were always made to feel part of the family. Thanks to Kevin Kenyon there is a nice memorial sign now hanging ‘neath Hank’s on Drake Island in Follensby. Rest In Peace dear man.
Nancy. Murphy
July 31, 2017 at 7:41 amI send all the Meeusen family my love and sympathy for the passing of Geordie. He was an original and will be missed by all who were in his life.
Mary Anne Ross
July 31, 2017 at 11:44 amDear Diane and Family,
Gordie was a welcoming, talented teacher and I am happy I knew him at Guilderland High. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your loved ones.
With deepest sympathy,
Mary Anne Ross
Bill Leicht
July 31, 2017 at 4:52 pmI have many fond memories of Gordie as a teacher, friend and bowling partner. What a blessing when Heidi also was with us to cheer us on. I know he is with his savior and singing a heavenly song. Blessing to Diane and the family.
Nancy Persse Langdon
July 31, 2017 at 5:02 pmI was saddened to read of Gordon’s passing. I haven’t seen him or the family in many years. Reading about him brought back many great memories of spending time on Drake’s Island. Gordon and his family were always so much fun to be around! My thoughts are with you all.
Barbara Meade (formerly Olson)
July 31, 2017 at 5:56 pmDiane, it seems like forever ago that I dropped my infant son Jimmy Olson off at your house, in your loving care, in the morning and drove the short distance to the Jr/Sr High School to teach. You and your husband were always such giving and dear people. I’m so sad to hear that he has passed. My love to you and your “kids”.
Marie's Rem
August 7, 2017 at 10:56 amDiane, my deep condolences on the passing of Gordon. May you and Heidi and your son’s garner some comfort in knowing how much your family means to so many people.
Moe Gushlaw
August 7, 2017 at 11:03 amDiane,
Was so sad to read of Gordon’s passing. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Neil & Elaine Van De Carr
August 7, 2017 at 11:06 amTo all the family of Gordon. He’ll be greatly missed. I loved talking to him in later years, but never taught with him. Elaine Van De Carr
Chris Claus
September 17, 2017 at 3:41 pmIt was my pleasure to know Gordie as a colleague and friend. I’m glad his passing was peaceful and I wish Diane, Heidi and the boys (men) my condolences.
Don Byro
December 24, 2017 at 6:57 pmI just learned of Gordy’s passing. Please pass this along to Dee Dee Meeusen.
Dee Dee, sorry to hear of his passing. I hope you and your family are doing well. I lost Deb back in 2013. I can empathize with your loss.
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
Don Byro