Gordon Thomas Gillespie
October 07, 1955 - June 29, 2014
Obituary
MADISON -Gordon Gillespie, age 58, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2014, at home where he had been fighting a year-long battle with laryngeal cancer. Gordon was born on Oct.7, 1955, in Beaver Dam, Wis., and graduated in 1974 from Monona Grove High School. He attended the U.W. Madison in the mid-70's, where he began his theater career at the Broom Street Theater. Gordon then moved to Minneapolis before settling in Chicago. He was an active member in Chicago's theater scene. One of his most memorable roles was that of Earl Bush in Neil Giuntoli's successful Chicago play, Hizzoner -- Daley the First. Gordon is survived by his mother, Christine; his brother, Patrick (Kathy); and his sister, Kathleen. He is also survived by his nephew, Michael Patrick Gillespie; and his nieces, Erika Kathleen Gillespie, and Kristi Kittelson-Burke (Justin). He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Gillespie, Jr. Gordon also leaves behind many friends and relatives who love him and will miss him dearly. Services will be held at MONONA Evangelical LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4411 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2014, with the Rev. David Susan presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, please see a play or send a contribution to The Prop Theater, 3502 North Elston Avenue, Chicago, Ill. 60618. Life may go on, but it will never be the same. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Visitation
Thu Jul 3, 2014 @ 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT
Monona Evangelical Lutheran Church • 4411 Monona Dr., Monona, WI null
Service
Thu Jul 3, 2014 @ 12:30 PM CDT
Monona Evangelical Lutheran Church • 4411 Monona Dr., Monona, WI null
Photos
No photos of Gordon have been shared yet.
Memories
KF
Kambeitz family
Other •
God is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit. He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live.
JE
Jan Edmunds
Other •
To the Gillespie family: My heartfelt condolences to all. I remember "Gordie" when he was in middle and high school. He was always so happy. Gods blessings, Jan Edmunds
JC
Josette Di Carlo
Other •
I was so saddened to hear of Gordon's passing. Gordon and I acted together many years ago at The Prop Theatre and he was truly one of the most dedicated actors I've ever worked with, not to mention his inordinate kindness. Gordon cared deeply, on many levels about many things. We continued to see one another as the years passed and I was always greeted by a smile, a hug and a truly sincere "How are you?". And Gordon really wanted to know. He was that kind of loving man. He will always be remembered by all whose lives he touched.
My sincere condolences,
Josette Di Carlo
KH
Kathryn Hasty
Other •
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gordon was a terrific actor and a wonderful, happy person to be around. He will be so missed.
NG
Neil Giuntoli
Other •
Gordie, I always loved you very much, I cant even number the many laughs we shared, or the many shows and curtain calls we enjoyed together. You're a wonderful actor and I will miss you, but hug an angels neck for me, maybe build a campfire on the far banks of Jordan, wait up for me. Its like I told you, this life isn't all there is, God willing, i'll see you again. To Gordon's mother, you're son was a fine actor, and a good honorable man. You're son didn't have to audition for "Hizzoner", I wrote that part for him. My prayer is that the Lord comfort your heart, and sooth your grief, Much blessings, much love, neil giuntoli