Obituary: Gordon Allison

Gordon Clair Allison, 94, of Baldwin, passed away November 12, 2022. He was born to Harold Clair Allison and Gladys Olin Allison on January 11, 1928. From his birth he seemed destined to be in the lumber business as his mother kept him in a wicker basket next to her in the Red Shed warmed by the coal stove. The Red Shed was the original building of Baldwin Lumber and is still in use today as a warehouse.

Gordon attended Baldwin schools and graduated in 1946. As a young boy Gordon was in the Boy Scouts and worked at the lumberyard. He attended Michigan State University where he became an avid, lifelong Spartan. After graduating MSU in 1950 with a degree in Lumber Retail Management, he entered the US Army and was based in Chicago at Ft. Sheridan. As a member of the Military Police from 1950-1952, Gordon traveled throughout the United States for his duties.

He entered the family business, Baldwin Lumber in 1954. He married Emily MacLeod that same year. Working alongside his mother and father, Gordon managed all aspects of the lumber and building materials business.

Gordon and Emily built the family home and had two children, James Clair and Jane Ann in the following years. A large portion of the business was the delivery of ready mix in several trucks, coal delivery as well as all lumber products sold. Gordon and Emily purchased the lumberyard from his parents upon their retirement. Emily left her teaching career to join Gordon in the business. Running the lumberyard for over 55+ years, Gordon and Emily worked well into their 80’s. Today the lumberyard remains in the hands of their daughter, the third generation.

Gordon was an active member of several community organizations. He was a member of the Village Council, Troutarama committee member, Leader of the Boy Scouts, Lake County Historical Society board member and lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge /Luther – Lakes #370, member of Shriners International organization. Gordon had a variety of interests which included Sunday adventures with his family, downhill skiing, collecting postcards featuring Lake County, stamp collecting, reading historical, financial and factual materials. Gordon loved to read newspapers from throughout the nation and enjoyed it when his children would go on a trip and bring them back from all different places.

After his retirement, Gordon also became computer savvy and enjoyed reading newspapers online and exchanging emails with his brother, relatives and friends. Left to cherish the wonderful memories are his wife of 68 years, Emily, son James (Kelly), daughter Jane (Dan), grandchildren Clarie (Kevin), Emily, sister-in-law Nancy, nieces Barbara, Beth, Susan, Mary, nephew Geoff, many cousins and friends. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, brother, Don (Shirley), sister-in-law Carroll (Dave), brother-in-law Ed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations by be made to the charity of your choice.

Bravo to a marriage of 68 years!
Bravo to a successful well lived life!
Bravo to 94 years!

Source: The Lake County Star