Obituary of Gordon Louis Reiter

Gordon Louis Reiter June 5, 1935 - August 14, 2022 Surrounded by his loving family, Gordon Reiter peacefully passed at his beloved home on the river near Yacolt on August 14, 2022, leaving his physical suffering behind. He was 87 years old. Originally from Deer Park, WA where he was raised and worked on the family farm, Gordon made Vancouver his home after graduating from Lewis and Clark College in 1958. He earned his way through college by playing the piano in many popular jazz combos throughout Washington and Idaho. He continued sharing his musical gifts locally in Vancouver and Portland, including volunteering to play the piano in the lobbies at Legacy and Peace Health Hospitals for all to enjoy. Blessed with an amazing memory, Gordon knew every popular song from the 1930s-1950s and could play them in any key, though he never learned to read music. He loved to entertain his listeners, young and old. Gordon first worked in banking and concluded his career as an escrow officer at Charter Title for over 22 years. Admired and respected by his co-workers and clients, he was honored as employee of the year, and recognized for being kind, gentle, polite, and cheerful to all, attributes he exemplified in every area of his life. Music led him to the love of his life in 1981, Janet. They met at a Patent Pending rehearsal and it was love at first sight. They recently celebrated 41 years of marriage. Family was Gordon’s joy and he treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife Janet, Gordon is survived by his sons, David (Maria) and Patrick (Melissa) and their children as well as Janet’s children, Janine (Eric) and Brian and their children. He is also survived by four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, four brothers and two sisters. Known for his clever jokes, Gordon also excelled at reciting limericks of all kinds. He was an RV enthusiast, enjoying years of road trips with Janet in their Prowler travel trailer. His other hobbies and interests included ocean cruises, gardening, and cooking, especially his delicious lasagna. He loved spoiling his adored pets and would be honored if donations to support pet adoptions could be made to the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, 1100 NE 192nd Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684 or online at https://southwesthumane.org/. The family will be hosting a private celebration of life in early September at their home “Riversong”.