Gordon B. Mckeeman

ROCHESTER, MN: Gordon Butler McKeeman, 93, passed away peacefully December 18, 2013 at Madonna Towers. Gordon was born September 12, 1920 in Lynn, MA. to William Neil and Lena Mabel (Goodridge) McKeeman. He was a 1938 graduate of Lynn English High School and a 1942 graduate of Salem State College receiving his BS in Education. Gordon went on to receive his Masters Degree in 1945 from Tufts University Universalist School of Religion. On November 5, 1944, in Lynn, MA., Gordon married Phyllis Bradstreet. Throughout the years, Gordon served as a Unitarian Universalist minister in Worcester, MA, Stoughton, MA, Palmer, MA and Akron, OH. He earned an Honorary Doctorate from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1969 and was the president of Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley, CA, from 1983 to 1988. Gordon received the Angus H. MacLean Award from the Unitarian-Universalist Association (UUA) in 1982, was the Berry Street Conference Essayist in 1993 and Gordon and Phyllis together were awarded the UUA Award for Distinguished Service in 1993. Gordon was a gifted writer and speaker. He was a member of the Rotary and Masons. Gordon loved spending his time playing tennis, doing crossword puzzles and was an avid sports watcher. Above all, Gordon loved spending time with his family. Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Phyllis; sons, Bruce (Georjean) of Prescott, AZ., Glenn (Carol) of Norton, OH., Randall (Anita DeAngelis) of Rochester; grandchildren, Jennifer (Colin) Clark of Lincoln, NE., Neil McKeeman of Rochester, NY., Alanna McKeeman of Washington, D.C., Leland McKeeman of Prince George, B.C. and sister, Gloria (Ray) King of Saugus, MA. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, December 29, 2013 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1727 Walden Lane SW., Rochester, MN with the Rev. Dr. Carol Hepokoski officiating. Family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee or to the charity of donor's choice. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfransndvinefh.com