Gordon True

We lost a good man on July 4, 2024. Gordon Edward True, 80, died of respiratory failure at Maine Med, Portland. The son of Frank and Helen True and brother to Robert True, Gordon was born November 12, 1943, in Bangor.
His life was farming and family. He was raised on a poultry and dairy farm in Charleston. What spare time he had was primarily spent riding his favorite horse, Tony. He graduated from East Corinth Academy (now Central High) and loved telling his sons he jumped center on the basketball team even though he was the shortest man on the team. He studied agriculture at UMO where he met his wife of 61 years, Barbara {Biggane}. He first was on the road selling eggs from the family farm until he began his own commercial vegetable growing business. On his farm, he instilled his work ethic and principles in many young workers. Next, he added a retail outlet, True's Farm Market, in Dover-Foxcroft. In the work arena Gordon's thinking was repeatedly ahead of its time. For instance, in the early 1970's he introduced True's Snow Sled In with snowmobile sales, rentals and snack bar.
Honest almost to a fault, he once found $1950 cash and worked diligently until he found the owner - an elderly lady who had been saving to drill a well. Gordon brought his common sensical approach to many organizations and boards over the years, including most recently as resident building manager at Franklin Place condominiums. He especially enjoyed his years in Jaycees where he made lifelong friendships. As a caring son, Gordon did his mother's weekly grocery shopping from the time he got his license until she died (at 99 1/2). He was honest, direct, witty, steadfast, logical, generous, faithful and a loyal friend. His work ethic was legendary. In fact, son Terry said Marine Corps boot camp was like vacation after working for his father. A bit quirky, even as a master gardener, Gordon didn't grow vegetables he didn't like (onions, kale, broccoli). Additionally, he had great knowledge of and collected obsolete paper money. He was known to invite family and friends to lunch which turned out to be at establishments having events such as grand openings where the food was free. A voracious reader, he kept books at every place he sat and read whatever book was there when he sat. Gordon was practical and tried to emulate McGyver; however, duct tape and chain saws were his go-to tools. A small animal whisperer, Gordon made devoted pets of creatures others couldn't touch. He was a doting grandfather, putty in their hands. He lavished time, energy, gifts and life lessons on them. As a world traveler he quickly absorbed much of the history, culture and, of course, food. Interestingly, his reaction to the language barrier was to speak English louder and slower. Stubborn to the end and an avid Celtics fan, he even refused to change hospital rooms until one Celtics playoff game ended. Gordon believed he had nine lives but had used five of them before his final illness. One time he clearly demonstrated his toughness. He broke his left leg while working in the woods then drove himself out of the woods on a tractor. As was said, we lost a good man.
Gordon leaves behind his wife Barbara; his sons Tom (Kathy) of Flowery Branch, GA; Terry (Susan) of Hampden, ME; Tim (Tina) of Holden, ME; and Tyler (Jan Marie) of Fernandina Beach, FL. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Chelsea (Dre), Alex (Shelby), Zack, Abby, Taylor (Jay), Maegan, Travis, Brody (Georgiana) and Mariah (Price) as well as three great grandchildren: Keegan, Jayden, and Cali. Also surviving are his brother Robert (Deborah), many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.
Calling hours will be 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary's Catholic Church, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor, with a reception immediately following at Brookings-Smith Family Reception Center, 163 Center Street, Bangor. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or to the charity of your choice.