Gordon Tyler

Gordon Tyler

Of Union City, California

R. Gordon Tyler passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at the age of 88 due to complications of vascular dementia at his home in Union City, California with his daughter by his side. He was predeceased by his wife Edith K. Tyler in 2020, and is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Addie and Theodore Wong, and his grandsons Ethan and Noah Wong.

Gordon was born in Hancock, NY on January 10, 1935.  He attended Hancock Central School before joining the United States Army.  After finishing his service, he began working for the New York State Department of Transportation as a surveyor, where he remained until his retirement.

Gordon had many fond memories of growing up in Hancock.  He loved being a Boy Scout, camping on Point Mountain, going to Kandyland for Mr. and Mrs. Pappas' lime phosphates, and stocking shelves at the Grand Union for a dollar an hour. His favorite memory, though, was playing the trumpet for the Hancock Central School marching band under the direction of Roy Wilkinson, whom he described as strict but fair: "the best of the best".  Even as his memory faded, he spoke very fondly of Mr. Wilkinson and would light up with pride describing how the band would play John Philip Sousa marches at halftime for football games and form the letter H for Hancock.  He later joined the Tomar Mountain Gun Club, where he was secretary for many years.  He adored his Tomar boys and considered them to be family.

After moving to Deposit, Gordon was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Deposit, the McClure United Methodist Church, the Town of Sanford Board, and the Deposit Historical Society.

Gordon loved telling jokes and stories and made friends everywhere he went.  He loved going out to eat and spending time with his grandsons. He was very proud of his grandsons and was happy that they both joined Boy Scouts and that Noah wanted to learn the trumpet like Grandpa.

The family would like to thank the memory care staff at Pacifica Senior Living and Hope Hospice for the care they gave Gordon.

Gordon requested that there not be a funeral.  Instead, please remember him by spending time with a friend, enjoying a cheeseburger or vanilla milkshake, or having an ice-cold beer.

Interment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Gordon’s name may do so to the Hancock Central School Marching Band Instrument Fund at 67 Education Ln, Hancock, NY 13783.