Richard Gordon Wendt ’39

Gordon died unexpectedly Oct. 2, 2009, in Providence Care Center, Sandusky, Ohio, after a brief illness.  

After serving in the Army from 1942 to 1946 and attaining the rank of captain in the Signal Corps, Gordon returned to Sandusky. There he spent his entire business career with Hinde & Dauch Paper Co. and its successor, MeadWestvaco Corp., retiring in 1982 as regional administrative manager for 10 plants from Boston to Kansas City.  

He was a member of both the Sandusky Power Squadron and the Sandusky Yacht Club for more than 60 years, serving as commander and commodore, respectively. At the time of his death he was the senior surviving past commodore of Sandusky Yacht Club.  

Gordon’s lifetime hobby was maritime history, and he published three books on themaritime history of the Sandusky area. His work and research earned many awards and honors, including his recognition as Great Lakes Maritime Historian of the Year in 1988. He also was past president of the Erie County Historical Society and an active member of many civic organizations.

He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 58 years; his daughter, Margaret; and two grandchildren. We offer them sincere sympathy.