Gilmour “Gil” Ferdon ‘59
Brother • Class of 1959
Gilmour “Gil” Ferdon
ARNOLD GILMORE FERDON JR. Arnold Gilmore Ferdon Jr., beloved and devoted husband and father, died peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, FL on July 4, 2012 after a long and courageous battle with leukemia.
It is with deepest sorrow, I bring you the news that our brother, friend, mentor and confident, Gil Ferdon left our midst peacefully yesterday. Gil, a friend to all that knew him was very special. Gil, a friend to all that knew him was very special. He was a people person for whom the greatest gift was to be able to talk, see and share his time with friends, family and brothers. Always there to volunteer his time for the common good, Gil could have been fittingly known as “Old Reliable” if that name had not been taken previously by New York Yankee star outfielder, Tommy Henrich; for that he was. No challenge was ever too great. No friendship ever trivial. We have all lost the guy who personified what it meant to be a Lambda and DU. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Kriss and his family. May his soul rest in peace.
"Gil" was born to Arnold Gilmore Ferdon Sr. and Gladys Yvonne Ferdon on November 4, 1931 in Bronx, NY. He was raised in Cresskill, NJ and graduated from Tenafly High School in 1949. He then attended Clarkson College of Technology (known today as Clarkson University) in Potsdam, NY, was a member of Lambda Iota fraternity as well as the Clarkson football team. Gil earned his degree in Electrical Engineering, served in the United States Army, then returned to Clarkson to earn yet another degree in Mechanical Engineering. Gil was employed by Hoke Inc., for many years which eventually moved him and his family to Lake Tahoe, NV. In 1977 Gil and his wife, Kriss, started their own company, Measurement and Control Technology, Inc. (MAC Tech), and retired in 2003. Lake Tahoe served as the perfect playground for him and his family as he loved the outdoors, enjoyed snow skiing in the winter and water skiing in the summer. Many summer days were spent in their boat creating laughter and memories with friends and family. He enjoyed working outdoors and took great pride in his property. His hard work was reflected on his beautiful, well manicured yard. Gil was a wonderful and loving husband and "Buddy", family man and father, gentle man of faith with a kind spirit, athlete, storyteller, mentor and friend. His stories were endless, his love unconditional, his humor unmatchable and his friendship true. As a private pilot, Gil enjoyed flying, enjoyed his cars, golf and life. His stories will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Gil leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Kristine Ferdon, and eight children: Deborah Balch (Michael), Richard Ferdon (Rita), Carol McManus (Scott), Donna Dunn (Bryan), Shelly Breeden (Drew), Kenneth Kuykendall (Puoy), Deidre Pieretti (John), Brian Kuykendall (Denae), 19 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. We will forever feel his presence in our hearts and thoughts and take comfort in knowing we will be together again. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to VNA & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Hi Lambdas,
When Kriss called to advise of Gil's death, I thought I was prepared as our bud has been ill for a very long time, the cancers are relentless and the human body has only so much strength to keep fighting. I was not, even though many conversations were clearly self evident.
Lambda and Clarkson lost a piece of its heart on July 4th, but the Lord recruited a new communicator and pal to watch over us and help prepare a heavenly 30 Elm St. for our eventual arrival, all things positive. We know he will put in a good word to St. Pete and anyone else who might listen.
Gil came to Clarkson as a NJ running back to cavort in the Potsdam snow. While football was soon cancelled, the oft embellished stories far outlived the actual program. Gil probably spent the best parts of 1949-1959 in Potsdam and along with many other vets, staffed 30 Elm with skills far lost on today's students. For that long ago leadership, we can be grateful. As time passed, Gil's continuous phone calls kept many of us together when we would have drifted. At the '59's 45th reunion, Gil, was one to say, "let's do our own thing, and do it annually". We did. We have. And, we may be better for it.
When we lose friendships of our youth which have also continued into our older age, personal thoughts can turn to our own mortality. We will all get there eventually, but in the meantime, let's have a beer for Gil and Kriss, take good care of our selves and our families and warmly remember our passed brothers.
When the Florida memorial is finalized, Paul and Stub can advise, so those who can attend, may. Kriss intends to return to Tahoe around August 10th.
Health and Happiness,
Jack (Ike) ’59