Gordon Ringoen

1938 - 2018

Gordon W. Ringoen

September 24, 1938 - August 3, 2018

Gordon W. Ringoen, husband of his lifelong love Carole J. Ringoen, passed away peacefully in Ocean Shores, Washington on August 3, 2018 at 79 years of age. He was a businessman, entrepreneur and longtime resident of Hillsborough, California. Gordy wasn't your average grandfather – his analytical mind, passion for learning and openness to new ideas provided endless excitement and entertainment for all around him.
Gordy was born on September 24, 1938 in Medford, Oregon. He grew up in Seattle, Washington and attended Highline High School. On March 19, 1960, he wed his childhood sweetheart, Carole. The two were an inseparable duo from the time they were 14 years old in high school, where Gordy was captain of the football team and Carole was a cheerleader and homecoming queen.
Gordy maintained a lifelong connection with his alma mater, the University of Washington, where he served as a professor, guest lecturer and steering committee member at the Foster School of Business. Late in life he published a book of World War II letters from his Fiji fraternity brothers.
After graduating from UW, Gordy served two years in the military in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, rising to the rank of Captain. Gordy and Carole's son Todd was born in Fort Sill.
Gordy started his business career in sales at IBM, first in Tacoma where his son, Jay, was born then in Los Angeles before settling in the Bay Area in 1968. After a run in the semiconductor industry, Gordy forayed into entrepreneurship through a technology leasing company, then eventually started a hedge fund. Though he technically retired at age 55, there was never a day that went by that Gordy wasn't working, whether it be researching a new investment, penning an essay on the state of the world or writing a thought-provoking email to his family and friends.
Gordy loved the outdoors and enjoyed boating, fishing, backpacking, cycling and skiing. He adventured on boats for much of his life, exploring waterways of the California coast, San Juan Islands and Canadian inland passage. He also loved the mountains—two of his favorite places in the world were Sun Valley, Idaho and Soda Springs, California.
A spiritual man, Gordy was a member and supporter of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in San Mateo.
Gordy was deeply involved in his grandchildren's lives. He never missed a sports match or an opportunity to instill important values and life lessons (sometimes for hours at a time).
Gordy is survived by his wife Carole, sister-in-law Jewell, son Todd, daughter-in-law Sue, and his grandchildren Jennifer and Joe. He was preceded by his son, Jay. His advice and passionate thirst for knowledge will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 22nd at 1pm at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in San Mateo, CA with a reception to follow nearby.
In lieu of flowers, the Ringoens suggest contributions be made to a charity that inspires you.