Obituary of Gordon Wade Pusser

Gordon Wade Pusser passed away at home on November 30th from end stage Parkinson's disease, with his loving wife, Teresa and beloved dog, Gena by his side. He was blessed to be surrounded by his devoted family during his final weeks. Born in Long Beach, CA to Irene and Millard Pusser, Gordon grew up to become a star track athlete and a brilliant, compassionate man. He attended UC Berkeley, but left to enlist in the Army in order to serve his country during the Korean War. He later resumed his studies at Stanford University where he graduated with a degree in creative writing. He was an avid track and field and basketball fan, especially when his alma mater competed. To pursue his passion for writing, he moved to Marshall in Marin County where he operated the Marshall Hotel. Here he began his real estate and political careers, and was elected as the Northern Treasurer of the California Democratic Party. Gordon stood out to party leadership all his life and after moving to Berkeley was instrumental in supporting the campaigns of many candidates, including San Francisco Mayor George Moscone, Senator Barbara Boxer, State Controller Ken Cory, President Jimmy Carter, and Governor Gray Davis. After moving to Desert Hot Springs, Gordon served as president of the natural sciences board of the Palm Springs Desert Museum where he developed nature education programs for children. He was a member of the Sierra Club and loved hiking the desert trails, especially when the wildflowers were in bloom. While living in the desert he founded the Palm Springs Track Club for area youth and brought new soccer fields to Desert Hot Springs. He and Teresa also served on the board of the Alliance for Children's Arts, which brought musical education in opera to children. After moving to Santa Cruz in 1989, Gordon immersed himself in local political and environmental issues, never being one to shy away from controversy in his quest to serve the community. He became an active member of Santa Cruz Action Network, the Terrace Point Action Network and Santa Cruzans for Responsible Planning. He supported the campaigns of local council members, as well as state legislators. Not only did Gordon serve politically, he contributed to the arts as well, serving on the board of UCSC Arts and Lectures. He supported numerous musical performances, primarily as a tribute to having met Teresa at a chamber music concert. He is well-known for the development of the Swift Street ArtWorkSpace, a creative community of artists' live/work residences. He leaves behind a legacy of community service and will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but also for the kind, generous, gentle soul who shared his gifts. He was highly respected and dearly loved. Gordon is survived by his wife, Teresa; sons, Kevin Pusser (Dana London), Brian Pusser (Rebecca Foster), Craig Pusser (Amy Pusser) and their mother, Portia Lee; daughters, Jessica Pusser and Gloria Rowan; grandchildren, Jordan, Alison, Jasmine, Andrew, Naomi, Lauren, Patrick, and Kiera; brother, Kent Pusser (Nancy Pusser) and sister, Jean Palmer and their families. In lieu of flowers, a donation to children's music and art education programs, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, or the American Parkinson Disease Association would be most appreciated.