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MARCH 30, 1924 – JULY 10, 2008
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Gordon was born in Lakewood, Ohio and attended Oberlin College where he received a BA in Music. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army. He later moved to California where he worked at a famous hair salon in Westwood for many years.
He started collecting Heisey glassware more than 35 years ago. His specialty was the Greek Key pattern, as well as Heisey tumblers and goblets. In fact, he had an example of almost every tumbler Heisey made. He was a member of the Heisey Club of California for 35 years, where he held every officer position. He enjoyed researching and presenting the Heisey programs at the monthly meetings and was the on-going Program Director due to his exhaustive knowledge of all things Heisey.
Besides Heisey, he loved opera and the arts. He especially enjoyed volunteering at the Getty Museum as a docent.
He is survived by his companion of over 40 years, Norval Heisey.
"Gordon was a member of the Heisey Club of California for 35 years. His specialties were the Greek Key pattern, as well as Heisey tumblers and goblets. He served as the club's President, Vice President, and Treasurer. He shared his exhaustive knowledge of all things Heisey by servicing as Program Chair and authoring numerous articles for the Pony Express. He will be greatly missed." --Peter Mantarakis
"My first Heisey Club meeting with Dave was at Betty and Herb Wanser's and one of the first people to say hello and welcome was Gordon Clark. From that time on, Gordon has always been active at club meetings, sharing his collection of Greek Key, zircon and limelight, tumblers, and goblets. I will miss his smile, his friendship, his kind way of imparting knowledge, his gentle spirit that enriched my life." --Bill Brakemeyer
"We have enjoyed not only our Heisey outings including conventions with Gordon, but we also traveled together several times. We had a great time when six of us went on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. Gordon loved to research Heisey and was always willing to share that knowledge. We considered him a dear friend and we will miss him!"--Betty & Herb Wanser
"We will miss Gordon terribly! He was such a nice man, so full of knowledge and willingness to help our club at every opportunity. Our hearts and sympathy go out to Norval."--Lynn and Rich Borino.
"I wanted to say that I really enjoyed Gordon’s company. He was a very kind man and a classy one at that. My heart goes out to Norval. 40 years is a long time to spend with a partner, and for some it is a lifetime. To have found a life partner and share such a long life together is in itself a miracle. I will miss Gordon and I know everyone in the Heisey Club will also. My love and best wishes to you Norval, and my heartfelt sympathies for your loss." --Barbara and Don Marquis
"We will certainly miss Gordon's programs, his gentleness and kindness. What a prince of a guy." --Carolin Nelson
"Farewell, my dear friend. I will always remember you as a kind and gentle man. I miss you. Heisey meetings without you will never be the same. I always looked forward to your well researched programs and your willingness to present a program on whatever the host wanted. You shared your knowledge of Heisey every time we met. I learned so much from you and will never forget you. You were my very special friend. Knowing you was a precious gift, one that I will treasure always. I love you and will miss you."--Carolyn Felger
