Gordon Bricken, former Mayor of Santa Ana, passed on June 17, 2013. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on November 1, 1936. He graduated from St. Monica’s High School in Santa Monica. Gordon earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Loyola University of Los Angeles; then, went on to obtain a Master’s Degree from UCLA. He married Maureen Mulligan, in 1963, at St. Joseph’s Church in Santa Ana. They chose this community to raise their family.
Gordon served on the Santa Ana Planning Commission from 1964 to 1974, where he developed an interest in Santa Ana history). In 1974, he was appointed to the City Council where he served until 1984. He was mayor from 1980-1982. During this time, he was instrumental in Santa Ana obtaining the All-America City Award, in the construction and design of the Santa Ana Train Station, the development of Main Place Mall, and the revitalization of the Santa Ana Civic Center area. He worked tirelessly for many years to help the city he loved.
Gordon was a well-respected acoustical engineer. He and Maureen ran their own acoustical engineering firm for over 35 years. Gordon was known as the foremost expert of airport and motorsports racing noise attenuation. Gordon was very active in the Santa Ana North Rotary Club, the Studebaker Club Orange Empire chapter, and the Sons of the Confederacy. He will also be remembered for his many hobbies which included traveling, researching and writing about the Civil War and its impact on the development of Orange County, restoring Studebaker cars, woodworking, and collecting model trains, old cameras, and thermometers.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Maureen; his four daughters, Barbara (Todd) Amy, Mary (John) Poprac, M.D., Patricia Bricken, Victoria (Russ) Gephart; the seven grandchildren he adored: Kalina, Johnny, and Julia Poprac, Alyssa and Rebecca Gephart, Nathan and Joshua Amy; sister Beryl Alfino; brother Gary Bricken; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gordon was a good man, loving husband, committed father and all around fun “Grandpal.” He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and the community.
There will be a Vigil/Rosary service on Monday, June 24th, at 7:00pm and the Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, June 25th, at 12:10 p.m. Both are being held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 727 N. Minter St. in Santa Ana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Church Building Fund.