Mr. Gordon S. Becker

Gordon Steinert Becker, age 82, of Asheville, N.C., passed away on February 18, 2015. Gordon was born April 22, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, to Herman F. and Ruth S. Becker. He was a resident of Asheville for the past 26 years. Gordon enrolled in Brooklyn College (College of the City of New York) following high school. He entered the service of his country during the Korean War and served with the U. S. Army, Ordinance Corp. Following military service, he returned to Brooklyn College, earning a bachelors degree in geology in 1956 with financial help from the G. I. bill. It was in college that he met the love of his life, Louise Giovane. They married in June 1957 and together they moved to the Washington D. C. area so Gordon could start his career as a civilian employee with the federal government at the U. S. Army Map Service. At Army Map he became a software development expert and computer program designer in machine language programming. In 1967 Gordon moved to the Defense Intelligence Agency to continue his career in intelligence information systems design. He retired in 1987 as Chief of the Resources and Systems Division with the DIA. Upon his retirement from government service, Gordon took a position with Elgin Group Ltd. (specialists in computer and information systems security studies) as Executive Vice President. He retired from Elgin in 1989 and he and Louise moved to Asheville. His love for animals prompted him to become an active volunteer with the Buncombe County Friends for Animals (now the Asheville Humane Society). Several years were spent walking dogs, cleaning cages and performing other shelter activities, earning him the “Volunteer of The Year Award” in 1995. He served six years on the BCFFA Board of Directors where he served as chairman of several committees and a member on several others. Following this association with BCFFA he was offered the presidency of Animal Haven of Asheville, a position he held for four years. Gordon is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Asheville Civitan Club, a member of the Asheville Preservation Society, Symphony Guild, Asheville Rifle and Pistol Club, French Broad Rifles muzzle-loading club, American Civil Liberties Union. (A.C.L.U.), life member of the National Rifle Association, and a proud member and supporter of the Democratic Party. Gordon passed away at home with his wife at his side following a courageous battle with cancer. Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 58 years, Louise; son Anthony Becker and his wife Rebecca Judge of Northfield, Minnesota, grandchildren Emily (Minneapolis) and Cameron (Northfield) Judge-Becker; and daughter Elvira Wolk, her husband Jonathan, and grandson Logan of Ashburn, Virginia. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and his brothers, Kenneth Becker and Eugene Becker. He and his family are most thankful for the multitude of close friends accumulated over the years in one of the friendliest of cities in the nation: Asheville, North Carolina. A Celebration of Life and internment will be held beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2015, at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 962 Old US 70 Highway, Black Mountain, N.C. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Gordon’s memory to the Animal Haven of Asheville or an animal welfare organization of your choice.

Tributes

Mr. Gordon S. Becker

April 22, 1932 - February 18, 2015