March 16, 2019 at 05:44AM
Friends and colleagues are remembering Brock Gordon for his many contributions to the Lake Bluff community.
Gordon, the vice president of the Lake Bluff Park District board, died March 12 at the age of 61 from complications of cancer.
"He was incredibly kind to the residents, to the staff and the rest of the board," said Ron Salski, executive director of the park district. "He was such a strong supporter of the staff and understanding they work for this community. … He was always a cheerleader for staff and what we offer."
Gordon was appointed to the park district board in 2012 to fill a vacancy. He then successfully ran for re-election in 2013 and 2017.
Salski said Gordon enjoyed playing tennis and exercising at the park district's fitness center. He said that while on the board, Gordon was heavily involved in strategic and capital planning.
He was a consistent voice when it came to infrastructure needs, especially in 2014, when voters approved a $3.1 million referendum to improve Sunrise Beach and the park district's pool, Salski said.
"He was a voice of reason," Salski said. "He took a balanced, philosophical approach on projects and the balance of financial interests and the needs of the community."
In 2018, when park district officials were considering whether to close the Lake Bluff Golf Club in the face of financial issues, Gordon pushed for alternatives, Salski said.
Officials ultimately entered into a five-year agreement with a golf course management firm to keep the club open.
"He did a cheerleading approach with the rest of the board," Salski said. "He was always an advocate for trying to make it work."
According to an obituary for Gordon, he was raised in Muncie, Ind., and he moved to Lake Bluff with his wife in 1985. Gordon worked as a car salesman, including Karl Knauz BMW in Lake Bluff.
Phillip Ceraulo, the sales manager at Knauz, said Gordon was a "consummate professional" with an excellent work ethic.
"He was polite and reliable, and the kind of salesman you were comfortable doing business with," Ceraulo said. "Brock had integrity. There are plenty of opportunities unfortunately in this business to not have integrity, but Brock always stayed the course."
Dave Benck, who also worked with Gordon at the Lake Bluff dealership, said Gordon was a big sports fan, particularly of Indiana University — his alma mater.
"He could never do enough for his friends," Benck recalled. "You were proud to say he was your friend."
Gordon is survived by his wife, two sons, his mother and other relatives, according to the obituary. A memorial service is planned for March 23.
Salski said park district officials will start searching for Gordon's replacement on the board who can serve until 2021.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Friends and colleagues are remembering Brock Gordon for his many contributions to the Lake Bluff community.
Gordon, the vice president of the Lake Bluff Park District board, died March 12 at the age of 61 from complications of cancer.
"He was incredibly kind to the residents, to the staff and the rest of the board," said Ron Salski, executive director of the park district. "He was such a strong supporter of the staff and understanding they work for this community. … He was always a cheerleader for staff and what we offer."
Gordon was appointed to the park district board in 2012 to fill a vacancy. He then successfully ran for re-election in 2013 and 2017.
Salski said Gordon enjoyed playing tennis and exercising at the park district's fitness center. He said that while on the board, Gordon was heavily involved in strategic and capital planning.
He was a consistent voice when it came to infrastructure needs, especially in 2014, when voters approved a $3.1 million referendum to improve Sunrise Beach and the park district's pool, Salski said.
"He was a voice of reason," Salski said. "He took a balanced, philosophical approach on projects and the balance of financial interests and the needs of the community."
In 2018, when park district officials were considering whether to close the Lake Bluff Golf Club in the face of financial issues, Gordon pushed for alternatives, Salski said.
Officials ultimately entered into a five-year agreement with a golf course management firm to keep the club open.
"He did a cheerleading approach with the rest of the board," Salski said. "He was always an advocate for trying to make it work."
According to an obituary for Gordon, he was raised in Muncie, Ind., and he moved to Lake Bluff with his wife in 1985. Gordon worked as a car salesman, including Karl Knauz BMW in Lake Bluff.
Phillip Ceraulo, the sales manager at Knauz, said Gordon was a "consummate professional" with an excellent work ethic.
"He was polite and reliable, and the kind of salesman you were comfortable doing business with," Ceraulo said. "Brock had integrity. There are plenty of opportunities unfortunately in this business to not have integrity, but Brock always stayed the course."
Dave Benck, who also worked with Gordon at the Lake Bluff dealership, said Gordon was a big sports fan, particularly of Indiana University — his alma mater.
"He could never do enough for his friends," Benck recalled. "You were proud to say he was your friend."
Gordon is survived by his wife, two sons, his mother and other relatives, according to the obituary. A memorial service is planned for March 23.
Salski said park district officials will start searching for Gordon's replacement on the board who can serve until 2021.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.