Dad's Obituary

• by Pensacola News Journal
• also at the Herald Palladium
• And here at the funeral home.

And here is the text of what we wrote:

GORDON GILBERT FORMSMA
Gordon Gilbert Formsma, 71, of Pensacola, FL, passed peacefully from this life to the next on Thursday, April 28. Gordon was born in Grand Rapids, MI on January 16, 1940. He and Carolyn Wendelken were married on September 9, 1972 in St. Joseph, MI.

He earned a B.S. in Music Performance, an M.A. in Elementary Education, and an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Western Michigan University. He taught vocal music and kindergarten in the St. Joseph, MI school system. From 1988 to 1992 he was an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education for the University of Kentucky Community College system. In 1996 he became Director of Head Start, Escambia County, a job which he did passionately until he retired. Gordon cared deeply for building up families through investing in their children’s lives. Standing 6’ 4” tall, he was affectionately called the “Gentle Giant” by Head Start Staff.

Gordon was an accomplished organist and served a number of congregations throughout his life. While in St. Joseph, MI he became Music Director for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church acting as both choir director and organist. In Pensacola, he took great pride in singing with Christ Church’s choir.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Carolyn Formsma; his daughter, Catherine (Paul) Hoemke and grandson, of Denver, CO; his brother, Gerald (Connie) Formsma of Elkhart, IN; his sister-in-law, Carol Formsma of Coleman, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Charlotte and Melvin Formsma, and two brothers, Jay and Duane Formsma.

He was a good, loving husband and father and a gentle man. He will be missed.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church, Pensacola, FL on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Christ Church with the name Formsma on the memo line. These donations will support the parish’s community classical music concert series.