Gordon Ira has passed. Gordon was a great friend of the camera club. He gave very much of himself to the club. Even after he couldn’t come to the meetings anymore, he was always thinking about us. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with Gordon over the last few years and he was a remarkable man. On our visits, he always wanted to know what was going on with the club. I will always be grateful for the time I was able to spend with him especially the few times I was able to visit since he couldn’t attend meetings. Please join me in praying for Joice and her family so that they may be comforted in their time of sorrow. May God bless them.
Brian
Gordon H. Ira, Jr. was an amazing individual and a blessing to have as a friend.
I hope everyone has read the long and varied list of his accomplishments. With his many personal and professional contributions to society and community and all the interests and hobbies he pursued over the years, you would certainly concede that Gordon was the ultimate example of a modern day Renaissance Man.
While pursuing our mutual interest in photography through the Jacksonville Camera Club, I grew to love and admire him for the extraordinary person he was. Gordon truly loved our group, its purpose and direction, and made significant contributions to the growth and success of the club. He was constantly looking for ways to strengthen its core. Dedicated to helping others improve their own talents in photography, he selflessly volunteered his time and knowledge to lead or host many educational programs, meetings and photo sessions. With Joice (a person of considerable talent and humility herself) by his side at many of these gatherings, they made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. Whether it was a long weekend in a cabin out of town or an evening at their lovely home on the river, one was sure to have a good time and learn something about the art of photography.
The portrait photo of Gordon displayed on his memorial page is the perfect image of him; a warm sincere smile, straight forward gaze with a twinkle in his eye! I often had trouble discerning if he was being serious about something or “pulling my leg”. My sense of humor has always been a bit poorly developed and I think Gordon caught on early to my “humor handicap”. That twinkle in his eye and a wry smile was what gave him away.
Gordon made this a brighter and better place for all of us. I will miss him dearly. . . We all will miss him. . . But his light and legacy shall live on in those of us who knew and loved him. I believe we could show no greater honor to Gordon than paying forward that which he gave to us.
I offer my sympathies to Joice and Ira family. May you find comfort in the knowledge that Gordon meant so much to so many people. God bless you and give you peace.
Charise