Robinette, Gordon A. "Gordie"

Gordon Robinette passed away peacefully on March 28, at his home in Orange, CA. Gordie will always be remembered for being a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who always went out of his way to help others.

Gordie was born on July 7, 1930 to Alfred and Harriet Robinette in St. Paul, MN. As a youngster he was very involved in sports, excelling in all, but particularly in Basketball, Baseball and Football. He was blessed with an exceptional voice, still singing the songs to his great grandchildren that he sang for pennies as a young lad on riverboats.

After high school he met and married the love of his life, Mona B. Soderstrom and worked for the North Pacific Railroad in St. Paul, until being drafted. He served two years in the Army at Ft. Eustis, VA. Gordie's best job in the Army was being part of the baseball team, and as such, a teammate of Hall of Famer, Willie Mays.

Following the Army, Gordie moved the family to CA, and started a 30 year career as a Fireman. Gordie enjoyed the camaraderie of being a fireman, and always had a story to tell about, "back in the day."

Gordie enjoyed all sports, playing basketball well into his 60's, and also enjoyed sitting around the table with his family playing all types of dice and card games. Always quick with a funny saying to make people laugh, a story that ended with him rolling with laughter, Gordie left a lasting positive impression on all who met him.

Gordie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mona; his three children, 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, April 10, at 1:00 PM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Orange.