Gordon Ray Ichikawa, 71, of both Canisteo and Owego, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday (December 2, 2023) doing what he loved most, bobbing in the ocean with his wife Dawn, snorkeling in search of sea turtles.
Born on July 27,1952 in Seattle, Washington, Gordon was the only son of Thomas and Kiyo Ichikawa. His father Thomas, enlisted in the US Army the day after the Pearl Harbor attacks during WWII, and was a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient. At the same time Thomas was serving in the US Army, his future wife Kiyo was forced into internment camps in California and Idaho with her mother, father, and brother for three years. Together Thomas and Kiyo raised the most kind and caring man one could ever know.
Gordon was a man of great honor and liked by all. He was a great role model and made everyone want to be a better person. He was patient and calm, never raising his voice. He was so kind to everyone he knew. He lived his life honoring his wife, mother, father, and mother-in-law.
Gordon attended high school at Owego Free Academy, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree from Alfred University in Ceramic Engineering. He had a strong work ethic and built an incredible empire of towers, radio stations, and grew the family two-way radio business. Gordon often said, “If you like what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
Gordon loved his wife and family, and showed them this in many ways every day. He enjoyed spending time together, whether it be holidays, vacations, or Friday night Nirchi’s pizza. He loved to dance and lit up the room with his happiness, laughter, and contagious smile. For all of us who knew Gordon, we were truly blessed.
His favorite travel destination was Aruba, where he and Dawn shared a home. When he would land in Aruba he would say, “Welcome home Dawnie.” He also had a great love of Alaska, where he spent summers as a child.
Gordon was predeceased by his parents, an infant sister, his mother-in-law Mabel Beers, and his little poodle companion Maggie.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Dawn Ichikawa; step-children, Kara (David) Jiusto and Brad (Jennifer) Burd, both of Canisteo, NY, and Kalee (Laird) Updyke, of Homer, NY; grandchildren, Claire, Bennett, Carlie, Jack, and Emma Jiusto, Ayden, Brooke, Harper, George, and Gerald Burd, and Jack, Mya, and Leah Updyke; brother-in-law Jack (Marcia) Beers of Canisteo, NY, and sister-in-law Debra (Robert) Dineen of Wallkill, NY.
The family will be present to receive friends on Sunday (December 17, 2023) from 12:30pm until 2:30pm at the Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 6 Spruce St., Canisteo, NY. A memorial service will follow with Father Thomas Gramley officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Dream Haven Animal Rescue, 3018 Rabbit Skin Road, Waynesville, NC 28785.
