Obituary of Kevin Trent Gordon

It is with sadness in his leave-taking, but joy in the remarkable way he touched so many lives, that we share news of the passing of Kevin Trent Gordon on Saturday, May 17th, 2025. He was 67.  Kevin passed quietly in his sleep after defying the odds and numerous challenges (as was testimony to the courage, determination, and tenacity of character) placed upon him by a congenital heart condition.

 Kevin was born on April 27, 1958, at the Swedish Hospital, now known as Hennepin County Medical Center. He was the second youngest member of an extended family and was considered the least likely to participate in aggressive contact sports. During his middle and high school years, Kevin developed a lifelong curiosity about the various ways in which life could be expressed—both in its ordinary and inspiring forms. He gathered knowledge and skills across a wide range of interests and had a magnetic ability to attract friends and colleagues who shared his desire to explore the world beyond the limits of routine, predictability, and unchallenged perspectives.

 Kevin enrolled in post-secondary education at Hennepin Technical College in Minnesota—soon demonstrating a talent for photography that would not only serve as the best known medium for creative expression, but as a treasured resource for documenting his extensive travel over the years. Through prolific work at capturing images and an innate way of linking them to the visual messaging of the business world, Kevin distinguished himself—at high levels of production, advertising, and executive prowess –to the ongoing success of the Best Buy company. Always a photographer at heart, these years furthered his opportunity to grow rewarding friendships with others who also conjured magic with lens and light.

 A lasting friendship with Kevin—which resulted in a mutually rewarding, insightful, and occasionally unusual expressions of camaraderie—often meant keeping pace with his wit and mercurial musings as best you could…facing life by ignoring the proverbial box (much less thinking outside it). So, too, accepting a man with a set of implacable views regarding: pizza preparation, the intricacies and ownership of nearly all things automotive, how best to breach the lower heavens with model rockets, the risk inherent in not drinking Pepsi, esoteric music he couldn’t clap (or sing) to, what constituted good cinema, the occasional risks inherit at MENSA social gatherings, the importance of having a caddy while playing miniature gold, the nearly spiritual importance of setting a camera lens aperture to f/8, and striving to face life head-on, chin up, and foot-forward.  To marvel at Kevin (it was difficult not to), was to recognize the usual time signature by which he set the cadence of his life—as gifted and fiercely driven people often do—and to compose his life accordingly.

 Kevin Gordon was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Gordon, and his three half-brothers, Jim, Jerry, and Richard. 

 Kevin is survived by his mother, Marilyn Gordon, and his brother, Brad; also, by his wife, Michelle Traeger; and a purebred Maltese (Itsy Bitsy) in front of whom a wise person will approach very slowly.

 Kevin was blessed to have Michelle in his life for 28 years. She complemented and brought a lively counterpoint to the cadence of his life—while immersing herself in her own interests such as professional educator, international traveler, gardening guru, devotee to life-long learning, and a primal force to be reckoned with on the tennis court. Each inspired, balanced, and tempered the other in subtle, loving ways—and both were more than generous to their countless friends…giving freely of their home, thoughts, support, time, and (occasionally) decadent desserts.

 There is no “finally” in this obituary. While time pulls us forward, fond memories and earned tributes endure. An example of the latter: dedicating years of his life to contributing to long-term studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic--to better understand his condition and advance what might be done for those needing treatment in the future.  Additionally, contributing 12 years of vision, energy, and organizational skills as a board member for the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA), and shortly thereafter in an emeritus role on its Board as it continued its growth and outreach.

 A ”Celebration of Life” to honor Kevin (and equally so, those who knew him) will be held Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Centennial Lakes Park, Hughes Pavilion, 7499 France Ave. S., Edina, MN 55435

In lieu of flowers, you can honor Kevin’s memory by supporting the work of the Adult Congenital Heart Association. Or, as Kevin Gordon did, selflessly sharing the unique gift of who you are with a world that benefits from you doing so.

 Yes, even decadent desserts count.