Gordon C. Myer, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, artist, former teacher and coach, passed into the loving arms of God on April 23, 2017 at the age of 85.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Laura Winnick Myer, children, Christine Radi (Steven), JoAnn Myer-Foland, and Rhonda Salay (Christopher); five grandchildren, Jennifer Radi Greenberg (Brian), Mark Foland, Stephanie Radi Klitsch (Brendan), Jody Foland and Michael Radi; four great-grandchildren, Meredith, Sydney and Joshua Greenberg and Oliver Klitsch; siblings Durwood, Edward (Gail), Bettye, Philip (Patricia) Myer and JoEtta (Jay) Hoffman; and many nieces and nephews.
Gordon Campbell Myer was born on October 12, 1931 in Hydetown, P.A. to Charles and Edna Myer. He graduated from Titusville High School in 1949 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Edinboro State Teachers College in 1953, a Masters in Art Education with a minor in Fine Arts from Penn State University in 1956 and a Masters of Fine Arts from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1966. He began his teaching career at Candor Central School (1953-55) and became an art teacher at Ithaca High School in 1956. Over his 41 years at IHS, he became the head of the Art Department and taught painting, ceramics, crafts and photography.
Gordon is well known for his artwork, especially his watercolor on canvas paintings and wet-on-wet technique. He won numerous awards and exhibited his original paintings, ceramics and batiks in shows throughout the northeastern United States. His works are represented in many private collections.
He was a well-respected athletic coach. He coached the IHS Girl's Varsity Tennis Team for 22 years (1979-2001) with a record of 225 wins and 89 losses. The team won the STAC Championship 5 times, Division I Championship 6 times and Section IV Championship 4 times. Dominating in 1991-92, the team won 30 consecutive matches and went 53-1 from 1991-1994. He also coached the Cornell Women's Softball Club Team (1983-1985), IHS Girl's Varsity Softball Team (1980-1982), and IHS J.V. Baseball team (1956-1973). Gordon was inducted into the Ithaca High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.
He touched the lives of many families in the Ithaca area as Director of the Kiwanis Baseball Program (1959-70 as AD; 1971-83 as Director) and through the Ithaca Youth Bureau's Stewart Park Day Camp (1958-70 as an art, archery & tennis counselor and 1971-82 as the Director).
Gordon was a faithful member of Immaculate Conception Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was devoted to his family and spent countless hours traveling with his children and grandchildren to a variety of activities from baton competitions to tennis, softball, volleyball, horseback riding, music, theater and school events.
The Myer family is grateful to Bridges Cornell Heights, Hospicare, Dr. Timothy Cardina and Dr. Julie Campbell for their care and dedication.
Calling hours will be held Friday, April 28, 2017 from 4 to 7 pm at Bangs Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N. Geneva St., Ithaca NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Church or a charity of your choice.
SERVICES Visitation
Friday, April 28, 2017 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Bangs Funeral Home, Inc. 209 W Green St. Ithaca, New York 14850
Funeral ServiceSaturday, April 29, 2017 10:00 AM
Immaculate Conception Church 113 N. Geneva St. Ithaca, NY 14850
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