HAMPDEN – Gordon W. Playter Jr., 83, passed away May 23, 2007, at a Bangor hos-pital. Gordon was born May 6, 1924, in Passaic, N.J., the son of Gordon Sr. and Helen (Mitchell) Playter. As a young man Gordon served his country in the U.S. Army for four years as a radioman, and was stationed in Iceland and England during World War II. Before moving to Maine three years ago, Gordon and his wife, Marilyn, were lifelong residents of Belford, N.J. Gordon worked for Walter Kidde Co. and he and his wife were the proprietors of Buck Smith’s, a popular meeting place and banquet facility. Unfortunately, Gordon was a lifelong Republican, much to the dismay of his youngest daughter, Sharon. In his later years, Gordon developed a great passion for learning about his family ancestry. He was thrilled the day he discovered that his great-great-great-grandfather, Capt. George Henry Playter, played an integral part in the settlement of Toronto, Canada. Gordon made numerous trips to Toronto, Canada, developing kinships with the descendants of Capt. George Henry Playter. Gordon’s other great love was the Penn State football team. He was a longtime fan of Joe Paterno, the coach of the Penn State football team. Gordon happily attended Penn State football games with his son-in-law, Drew. Max, Gordon’s beloved pug, was by his side at all times. Aside from Marilyn, Max was the love of Gordon’s life. Gordon was predeceased by his daughter, Diane Avis Apel, in 1975. Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marilyn Smith Playter; his children, Laura and husband, Everett “Bud” Poll, of Hampden, James G. Playter and wife, Susan, of Middletown, N.J., and Sharon and husband, Drew Roberts, of Belford, N.J.; son-in-law, Gary Apel and his wife, Cheryl, of Island Heights, N.J.; grandchildren, David Poll and wife, Toni, Melissa Gould and husband, Jaimie, Kristen Poll, Desa Ramaglia, Karisa Playter, Shannon Playter, Cole Playter, Grant Playter, Brendan Apel and wife, Anne Marie, J.T. Apel and wife, Danielle, and Kevin Apel; great-grandchildren, Diane Apel, Hunter Poll, and Jacob Gould; and one brother, George Playter and his companion Muriel McClure, of Sedona, Ariz. Gordon is also survived by his best friend, Max the pug. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. A time of visitation will be held 10 a.m. Saturday until time of the service. Interment will be private at Lakeview Cemetery, Hampden. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com
GORDON W. PLAYTER JR.
