In loving memory of

Harry Gordon
July 15, 1925 - December 23, 2010

Madison -- Harry Gordon, age 85, of Madison passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at Oakwood Village East. He was born on July 15, 1925, in Kovno, Lithuania, the son of Yakob and Eva (Ganckewitz) Gordon. Harry emigrated to the United States in 1949.

Harry was a local businessman and, as a Holocaust survivor, his greatest achievement was getting his book, The Shadow of Death, published in 1992. He traveled to schools throughout Wisconsin talking about his Holocaust experiences. Harry was a member of the Chevra Ka-disha. Harry loved and had a talent for singing, dancing and playing table tennis.

Survivors include sons, Eric (Kristina) Gordon and Abraham (Jody) Gordon; a daughter, Vivian (Brian) Weinshenker; his former wife, Jean Gordon; and eight grandchildren.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and many family members in the Holocaust.

A visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison.  Burial will be at the Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the HospiceCare Foundation, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.

The family would like to thank Oakwood Village East staff for their care and compassion shown over the years.

"THE SHADOW OF DEATH graphically reminds us of the horrors of the Holocaust and of Harry Gordon's indomitable spirit which time & time again allowed him to face life and death with courage and Faith"---- Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Tributes

John Dickert wrote on Aug 22, 2013:

"Hi. I just spotted Harry's Memorial at Hospice in Fitchburg. I have to share that I knew Harry back in the mid to late 70s when he was hauling scrap metal & we often talked at the garage I worked at. He would talk of his book & a few experiences he had during the Holocaust. I wish the family, friends well "

Chuck & Nancy Horvath wrote on Feb 1, 2011:

"Hi Eric and Kris, I am so happy that the funeral and visitation was so meaningful to you all and went well. It was wonderful to hear about the testamonials from friends whose lives were touched in a positive way by Harry. I know you will be missing him and your routine of visiting him at Oakwood Village. God will surely put His comforting arms around you during this time. Chuck and Nancy Horvath"

Ray McCool wrote on Jan 4, 2011:

"Eric, Please know that your father and I crossed paths only briefly in the late 1980s when, upon my invitation, he spoke to some of my high school students at Memorial High School about the Holocaust during that time of madness in Europe. He made a deep impression upon the students and upon me. The Shadow of Death is in my bookcase at home. Although I am retired and my students are long graduated, know that his story was a reminder of how things go wrong. You can be very proud of Harry. My proyers are with you and your family."

Meg Taylor wrote on Jan 3, 2011:

"I also met Harry while visiting my parents at Oakwood Village East and am Mary Rattmanns sister - she said it very well, Harry was charming, funny, interesting and we discovered we shared the same birthday of July 15. I remember sitting at breakfast one morning with my parents and Harry (the three of them shared a table for quite some time) and my father who was in WWII was sharing stories with Harry and told him that he would love to read his book - Harry replied "...for five bucks you can!!" Harry made $25.00 that day in book sales to my family. He will be missed by many and remembered. Peace to your family in the days ahead.... Meg Taylor"

Mary Rattmann wrote on Jan 2, 2011:

"Our condolences and prayers to your family during this time of loss. I met Harry at Oakwood East in 2003 and enjoyed his company each and every time I visited my parents. Charming, funny, courageous, warm and engaging are but a few ways to describe him. He was a special person who graced my life and I will never forget him and his warm hugs upon arrival and departure. He even taught me a bit of singing and dancing! But he taught me far more. I am honored to have known him, and his book, "The Shadow of Death" is a treasure that I will keep forever. He is an inspiration to us all and a blessing in my life. May God give him his well deserved reward and comfort your family with hope and peace. "