Obituary of Brian Wayne Gordon

Brian Wayne Gordon, 82, of Scarborough, ME, passed away August 22, 2024, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Scarborough, ME. At his request, a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Although born in Brockton, MA in 1941 to Donald Wayne and Nora Jean Ireland Gordon, Brian and his family soon returned to Mattawamkeag, ME.. He graduated from Eliot High School in 1959. He received his BS in Education from Gorham State Teachers College in 1963 and a M.S. Education from Gorham State College in1979.

Brian began his 44-year career with Portland Public Schools in 1963, teaching U.S. History, Science and English and was the coach for the basketball and baseball teams at Lincoln Jr. High School. From 1973-1974 Brian was the varsity baseball and junior varsity basketball coach at Cheverus High School. In 1976, he moved to Deering High School, where he taught history and coached varsity basketball and baseball, advised the DHS Civil Rights Team, and D "Club", and coached the Mock Trial program. From 1982-1993, he served as Deering's Athletic Director. He then returned to the classroom to teach until his retirement in 2007.

Brian actively participated in and contributed to numerous professional activities including serving as a Driver Ed Instructor, a member of the Portland Athletic Council, a fundraiser for the Portland EXPO, and restoring Memorial Field in Portland, and an ETEP Supervisor for the student teacher program at USM and President of Maine Baseball Hall of Fame.

His professional memberships included serving as Chairman of the State Principals Softball/Baseball Committee and being a member of the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association, the National Athletic Directors Association, and Local, State, National Teachers Associations.

Brian received numerous awards throughout his lifetime. Among the most meaningful were his recognition as President of the Alpha Lamda Beta Fraternity while in college, and several professional honors including the Maine State Athletic Directors 'Service and Dedication Award', the Richard Costello Award for 'Long-Term Commitment to Education and Athletics', the Walter E. Russell Award for 'Excellence in Teaching', and The Brian Gordon Award, which was established in his name for Teamwork, Community Service and Sportsmanship. Most notably, he was Induction into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame 2002.

Brian was an exemplary talented, creative, tolerant, dedicated, inspiring educator, coach, mentor and leader. A man of integrity, character, and compassion with an outstanding work ethic, he was committed and available to his students and a constructive, contributing team participant on committees. Brian had an extraordinary memory, especially for historic events, sport facts and people and places from recent times to long ago. He was a devoted, trustworthy, loyal and loving husband, father and friend. His kind, caring, and positive influence, alone with his sense of humor and story-telling flair, endured to his final days.

Brian loved traveling across all 50 states with his wife and son, where they explored historical sites, visited numerous National Parks, and attended games at every Major League Baseball home park. He had a passion for golf, fly fishing, cooking, genealogy, history, and sports - both as a team player of baseball and basketball, and as an enthusiastic spectator:-)!

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna, their son Garrett and wife Crystal, his sister Vicky and husband Marty Ready, and cousins David Gordon, Charleen Wiseman, along with several other cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Bruce Gordon.

Those wishing to, donations may be made to the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame, Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, or to another charitable organization.

 For further information, memories and condolences may be shared with the family on www.directcremationofmaine.com