MICHAEL JAMES GORDON, MD
10/31/1945 - 09/01/2022
Michael James Gordon, MD, a cardiologist who brought all his heart to his work, his home, his family and his wife died comfortably and peacefully in his home on Thursday, September 1, 2022 after a brave and strong battle with prostate cancer.
Born in Chicago, IL on October 31,1945, to Dennis and Frances Gordon, Michael is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ružena Roth Gordon, his daughters Andrea Gordon Schlakman, Rebecca Gordon Rothman, son-in-law Philip Schlakman and five grandchildren who adored their Popie: Anabelle, Talia and Remy Schlakman and Tessa and Jude Rothman. He is also survived by his Houston family: mother-in-law Berta Irena Roth, sister and brother in-laws Eva and Vojtech Ackerman; by his older sister, Ronnie Silverstone (Steve), younger sister Margaret Fishman (Ron) and younger brother William Gordon (Adele) plus many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was always a student and high learner. In 1967, while at University of Akron, where his father was a professor, Michael was selected for a program sponsored by Experiment in International Living run by Putney to study abroad in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. While he had met Ružena, a native of Czechoslovakia, prior to his program, they didn’t start dating until later. They married on September 1, 1968 and moved to Columbus,
OH, where Michael attended medical school at Ohio State University.
He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in cardiology at The University of Iowa. By enrolling in the Berry Plan during Vietnam War, he deferred his service, allowing him to finish his medical training. He served as a major in the US Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. Upon completion, he moved with his wife and two children to Houston. In 1978, he joined the faculty of the UT Medical School at Hermann Hospital, followed by many years of private practice. He ended his long and accomplished cardiology career with Houston Cardiovascular Associates.
Michael was an avid cyclist. He trained passionately and participated in charity rides across the nation and abroad, including completing several MS 150 bike tours. He cherished his weekend organized and pick-up rides with friends, he loved his Wednesday morning BFOF group and his book clubs. But he was at his happiest with his favorite group: his DNA fan club of five grandchildren.
Upon retirement, he continued to use his cardiology training by aiding underserved communities. He volunteered at the Interfaith Community Clinic in the Woodlands and the San Jose Clinic in downtown Houston. He also joined the Harris County Medical Society Retired Physicians Organization and served as president from 2020-21.
In 2015, Michael was awarded an honor as a Distinguished Physician by Hermann Hospital, and in 2019 he received a Lifetime of Excellence award from the Houston Methodist Hospital staff. To him, looking into the eyes of his loved ones, all the way to his final breath, was the best reward of all.
A funeral will be held on Sunday morning, September 4, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the Bender Memorial Chapel at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak, 7445 Awty School Ln. Houston, TX 77055 with a graveside service immediately following. Please use the following link to view the service via Live Stream: https:// venue.streamspot.com/ f8d04b5b
To honor Michael’s memory, donations can be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center in support of research, The Holocaust Museum of Houston, or The Retired Physician Organization of Harris County.