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Jacob Joseph Gordon
02/25/1991 — 04/04/2002
From West, Richland, WA, US | Born in Kalispell, Montana
Jacob Joseph Gordon
JACOB JOSEPH GORDON
Jacob Joseph Gordon, age 11, left this earth to be with our Lord on April 4, 2002. Jacob was born February 25, 1991, in Kalispell, Montana, and resided most of his life in West Richland, Washington, with his parents, Sonya Gordon and Marc Butler. He was in fifth grade at Tapteal Elementary School in West Richland. He was looking forward to attending Middle School at Hanford next year.
Jacob played Little League baseball and soccer. He collected baseball and Pokemon cards, enjoyed Playstation, and loved to build complex structures from Lego and K'Nex. He also delighted in beating his family at board games.
He was a bright and inquisitive boy; he loved taking things apart to see how they worked and often succeeded in putting them back together again. Just a few days before he left us, Jacob asked his Dad what kind of engineer he could become and where he could go to college.
Earlier this school year Jacob received a letter of congratulations from Governor Locke for scoring in the state's top 4 percent in the WASL test.
Although Jacob wasn't an ocean-going fellow, he loved to fish. A few months ago, he brought in a 28-inch steelhead on the Snake River with his Grandpa Harvey cheering him on. Perhaps the most special fish he caught was Spike, a blue gill he kept as a pet for over a year.
Like most kids, Jacob loved animals, especially Shadow and Pearl,his guinea pigs. He longed for a dog one day.
Jacob had many friends of all ages. He shared his love and kind heart with all who knew him. We were all honored to share the brief time we had with him.
Jacob is survived by his parents, Sonya Gordon and Marc Butler of West Richland; grandparents: Dolores Rorvik and Harvey Lape of Connell, Washington, Chuck and Shirley Rorvik of Kalispell, Montana, and Pat and Jack Koch of Milton-Freewater, Oregon; great-grandparents: Thelma and Mitch Nimey of Othello, Washington, Lila Emmons of Milton-Freewater; aunts and uncles: Dawn Rorvik and Jane Futterman of Olympia, Holly and Brad Curtis of Colorado Springs, and Christine Koch of Milton-Freewater; and numerous other friends, relatives and teammates.
Heaven is surely brighter now with Jacob's big smile and beautiful blue eyes.
A memorial service is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at Einan's Funeral Home, 915 By-Pass Highway, Richland, with reception following at Marc and Sonya's home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at GESA Credit Union, Richland, in Jacob's name.
I came to know Jacob through my brother Jordan. He use to come over to our house to play our playstation. I always thought real highly of Jacob. He was a great friend to Jordan and a good influence. They used to be so silly together, and they would always try to make the other one laugh. Good friendships are those that last forever, and Jacob’s friendship is one that our whole family will carry with us in our hearts. His memory will never be forgotten in our home.
My sister and I also got to know Jacob a little more through Champions. I worked in Champions for three years, one of those years being at Tapteal. Jacob came to be one of my favorites. Not just because he was my brothers friend, but because he was a great kid who respected me. Jacob was very sensitive and open about his feelings and was always concerned of others around him. To me, thats great character. Jacob will be deeply missed, but never fogotten. As a parent myself, I share everyones sadness. I will miss your smile Jacob.
I will always remember Jacob’s ready smile. He would say hello to me and my daughter each day as I walked her to school. Jacob often played with my son, Kevin. He loved to play the Playstation with Kevin and to ride bikes in the desert. Jacob often helped Kevin with schoolwork and just when other kids would tease Kevin. I thought Jacob was a wonderful boy and a good friend to my son. God bless you, Jacob.
Jacob was very nice to me. He was generous and thoughtful. I remember when I fell in the road once and Jacob helped me home and made sure I was okay. He always stood up for me when others teased me. I will miss Jacob very much. He was a good friend.
Sonya & Family,
Our deepest condolences. There are just no words that can ever express the loss of a child.
I really enjoyed having Jacob on our soccer team. sean really enjoyed having Jacob for a friend and class mate. We will miss him and want you to know how sorry we are.
Jacob was a great kid. As a parent, one is always a bit concerned about their kids friends. Jacob was a boy whom I was very glad that my boys counted on a true friend.
I remember that he was very bright and perceptive. He took a great pride in his mother, and was clearly in awe of her commitment.
He clearly had a great relationship with Marc, viewing him not only as his father but also as his friend.
Matthew and Alexander each enjoyed different aspects of Jacob’s personality. Matthew loved to play and horse around with Jacob, do sports and games. Alex preffered engaging Jacob in more intellectual pursuits.
Jacob was one of the good ones, and while our family will be poorer for not having him around it, we will always be the richer for having known him.
Go with God, Jacob.
I knew Jacob for a short while when he attended the Champions program at Tapteal. He was a very caring individual. When a child would have a problem, Jacob often would offer his help to solve the situation. I enjoyed conversing with him in our everyday activities at Champions. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and for the years to come.
I thought of you today
As I do with each day’s start
I see you in life’s beauty
I hold you in my heart
God Bless you Marc and Sonya
I had Jacob in my classroom for two years. He was such a polite and kind boy. Never once did he backtalk or was disrespectful to me. I will surely miss his big smile and positive attitude. He was always so “happy go lucky” and the world seemed like such a beautiful place in his eyes. He was well liked by his classmates and was a friend to everyone. He wil be missed.
Although I never knew Jacob, it is an honor to be chosen to officiate at his memorial service. My prayer for you his family and friends is that God will wrap his arms of comfort and peace around you today and always. Pastor Doug Mowry
Words cannot express how sad we all are. I got to know you Jacob because of your friendship with our son, Jordan and also at school when I came to help out in the classroom. When all the kids would call me Mrs. Friesz, you called me Lynda. Thank you for being Jordan’s friend. You will forever remain in our hearts. God has a sweet, caring boy with a great smile up in heaven. Watch over your Mom and Dad, they will need your love from above to go on.
When i woke up this morning i remember that he could put a smile on anyones face.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kyle & I lived on Deer St., W.Richland until a yr. ago. Kyle was one of Jacob’s playmates in the neighborhood. I remember Jacob so well because he was always so polite, nice and friendly. He’d always stop & say “HI” when I was outside in the yard. We were very sadden to hear of your precious loss, God Bless, Sincerely, Tracie & Kyle Turner
No words can express the sorrow and sympathy we feel for you and your family with your enormous loss of Jacob. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
We are sorry to hear of your loss of your son. You and your family are in our prayers.
Dear Family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you all for the loss of a beloved son, grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend. Jacob brought fun and happiness to all lives that he touched.
Our most recent memory of Jacob was when our family traveled from Okinawa, Japan to Washington last summer 2001. I had a wonderful reunion visiting cousins I had not seen for years. It was also nice to introduce my husband and daughter to everyone. I had not seen Jacob for several years and was amazed at how much he had matured into a handsome, clever and good-natured young boy. He eagerly encouraged everyone to gather on the front lawn at his great-grandparents’ Mitch and Thelma Nimey home to play a game of croquet. He was patient, positive, and ready for a good time.
Although I did not know Jacob very well, I am deeply saddened of his loss. Time and distance does not lighten the anguish I feel for his shortened life and for his wonderful family.
Many people have been blessed with special memories of Jacob, and those memories will keep Jacob’s spirit alive in our hearts.
Sonya and Marc, Holly, Dawn, Aunt Delores, and all family members…you are in our hearts and thoughts. Find strength in one another.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Heather, Joe, and Zoe Stenovitch
Jacob….How could I not like him?!?!? Jacob had a kind, gentle heart. His beautiful eyes won my heart over from the start! It was wonderful teaching Jacob for his 4th & 5th grade years. Jacob was one who always showed respect and accepted whatever was dealt his way. He may not have liked it, but he never argued about what he needed to do. He loved to help me in the classroom, and was always available when I needed something done. In the spring when it was baseball time, he loved to share the “happeings” of how his team played…Of course, winning brought a smile to his face. I truly miss Jacob…Marc & Sonya, Rest assured that he is heaven with Jesus! We will meet him again someday with arms open wide!!! My heart is with you and I think about you and pray for you daily. Thank you for sharing Jacob with me these past two years. Most Sincerely, Debbie Umlauf
To the Parents of Jacob: I have just found out about Jacob and am so terribly sorry for your loss. I now have a daughter and just can’t bare the thought, I can only imagine how you feel. Just remember that God loves you and He will now be Jacob’s caregiver. I’ve thought of you all often and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope that your pain eases more and more each day.
God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kari Tarro
Jacob – Eight years is so long and still your family remembers everything about you…everyone misses you.
I only met you a couple times in the halls of Tapteal – but your big blue eyes and easy smile made an impression!
Watch over your Mom and your little brother Sam-
Lorelee ~ David’s Mom
We have never known a more special boy than Jacob, so bright, so well-mannered, so loved. We will truely miss him.
I came to know Jacob through my brother Jordan. He use to come over to our house to play our playstation. I always thought real highly of Jacob. He was a great friend to Jordan and a good influence. They used to be so silly together, and they would always try to make the other one laugh. Good friendships are those that last forever, and Jacob’s friendship is one that our whole family will carry with us in our hearts. His memory will never be forgotten in our home.
My sister and I also got to know Jacob a little more through Champions. I worked in Champions for three years, one of those years being at Tapteal. Jacob came to be one of my favorites. Not just because he was my brothers friend, but because he was a great kid who respected me. Jacob was very sensitive and open about his feelings and was always concerned of others around him. To me, thats great character. Jacob will be deeply missed, but never fogotten. As a parent myself, I share everyones sadness. I will miss your smile Jacob.
I will always remember Jacob’s ready smile. He would say hello to me and my daughter each day as I walked her to school. Jacob often played with my son, Kevin. He loved to play the Playstation with Kevin and to ride bikes in the desert. Jacob often helped Kevin with schoolwork and just when other kids would tease Kevin. I thought Jacob was a wonderful boy and a good friend to my son. God bless you, Jacob.
Jacob was very nice to me. He was generous and thoughtful. I remember when I fell in the road once and Jacob helped me home and made sure I was okay. He always stood up for me when others teased me. I will miss Jacob very much. He was a good friend.
Sonya & Family,
Our deepest condolences. There are just no words that can ever express the loss of a child.
I really enjoyed having Jacob on our soccer team. sean really enjoyed having Jacob for a friend and class mate. We will miss him and want you to know how sorry we are.
Jacob was a great kid. As a parent, one is always a bit concerned about their kids friends. Jacob was a boy whom I was very glad that my boys counted on a true friend.
I remember that he was very bright and perceptive. He took a great pride in his mother, and was clearly in awe of her commitment.
He clearly had a great relationship with Marc, viewing him not only as his father but also as his friend.
Matthew and Alexander each enjoyed different aspects of Jacob’s personality. Matthew loved to play and horse around with Jacob, do sports and games. Alex preffered engaging Jacob in more intellectual pursuits.
Jacob was one of the good ones, and while our family will be poorer for not having him around it, we will always be the richer for having known him.
Go with God, Jacob.
I knew Jacob for a short while when he attended the Champions program at Tapteal. He was a very caring individual. When a child would have a problem, Jacob often would offer his help to solve the situation. I enjoyed conversing with him in our everyday activities at Champions. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and for the years to come.
I thought of you today
As I do with each day’s start
I see you in life’s beauty
I hold you in my heart
God Bless you Marc and Sonya
I had Jacob in my classroom for two years. He was such a polite and kind boy. Never once did he backtalk or was disrespectful to me. I will surely miss his big smile and positive attitude. He was always so “happy go lucky” and the world seemed like such a beautiful place in his eyes. He was well liked by his classmates and was a friend to everyone. He wil be missed.
Although I never knew Jacob, it is an honor to be chosen to officiate at his memorial service. My prayer for you his family and friends is that God will wrap his arms of comfort and peace around you today and always. Pastor Doug Mowry
Words cannot express how sad we all are. I got to know you Jacob because of your friendship with our son, Jordan and also at school when I came to help out in the classroom. When all the kids would call me Mrs. Friesz, you called me Lynda. Thank you for being Jordan’s friend. You will forever remain in our hearts. God has a sweet, caring boy with a great smile up in heaven. Watch over your Mom and Dad, they will need your love from above to go on.
When i woke up this morning i remember that he could put a smile on anyones face.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kyle & I lived on Deer St., W.Richland until a yr. ago. Kyle was one of Jacob’s playmates in the neighborhood. I remember Jacob so well because he was always so polite, nice and friendly. He’d always stop & say “HI” when I was outside in the yard. We were very sadden to hear of your precious loss, God Bless, Sincerely, Tracie & Kyle Turner
No words can express the sorrow and sympathy we feel for you and your family with your enormous loss of Jacob. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
We are sorry to hear of your loss of your son. You and your family are in our prayers.
Dear Family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you all for the loss of a beloved son, grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend. Jacob brought fun and happiness to all lives that he touched.
Our most recent memory of Jacob was when our family traveled from Okinawa, Japan to Washington last summer 2001. I had a wonderful reunion visiting cousins I had not seen for years. It was also nice to introduce my husband and daughter to everyone. I had not seen Jacob for several years and was amazed at how much he had matured into a handsome, clever and good-natured young boy. He eagerly encouraged everyone to gather on the front lawn at his great-grandparents’ Mitch and Thelma Nimey home to play a game of croquet. He was patient, positive, and ready for a good time.
Although I did not know Jacob very well, I am deeply saddened of his loss. Time and distance does not lighten the anguish I feel for his shortened life and for his wonderful family.
Many people have been blessed with special memories of Jacob, and those memories will keep Jacob’s spirit alive in our hearts.
Sonya and Marc, Holly, Dawn, Aunt Delores, and all family members…you are in our hearts and thoughts. Find strength in one another.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Heather, Joe, and Zoe Stenovitch
Jacob….How could I not like him?!?!? Jacob had a kind, gentle heart. His beautiful eyes won my heart over from the start! It was wonderful teaching Jacob for his 4th & 5th grade years. Jacob was one who always showed respect and accepted whatever was dealt his way. He may not have liked it, but he never argued about what he needed to do. He loved to help me in the classroom, and was always available when I needed something done. In the spring when it was baseball time, he loved to share the “happeings” of how his team played…Of course, winning brought a smile to his face. I truly miss Jacob…Marc & Sonya, Rest assured that he is heaven with Jesus! We will meet him again someday with arms open wide!!! My heart is with you and I think about you and pray for you daily. Thank you for sharing Jacob with me these past two years. Most Sincerely, Debbie Umlauf
To the Parents of Jacob: I have just found out about Jacob and am so terribly sorry for your loss. I now have a daughter and just can’t bare the thought, I can only imagine how you feel. Just remember that God loves you and He will now be Jacob’s caregiver. I’ve thought of you all often and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope that your pain eases more and more each day.
God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kari Tarro
Jacob – Eight years is so long and still your family remembers everything about you…everyone misses you.
I only met you a couple times in the halls of Tapteal – but your big blue eyes and easy smile made an impression!
Watch over your Mom and your little brother Sam-
Lorelee ~ David’s Mom
We have never known a more special boy than Jacob, so bright, so well-mannered, so loved. We will truely miss him.
Guestbook for
Jacob Joseph Gordon