Everyone knows my weekly columns are focused on downtown Sumner. And because a successful downtown is never the result of just one person, just one business or just one organization, I typically write about partnerships, joint projects, community relationships, etc. But this week I’m going to break out of my writing mold to talk about how these partnerships can affect an individual and how just one person can make a difference in a community.
Some of you know of one of our most valued Sumner Downtown Association volunteers and former SDA board member Gordon Andersen.
Gordy is known in practically every downtown business. In fact, most all Sumner businesses know Gordy – and for good reason. Gordy lives in Sumner and, after 30-plus years, retired as a local UPS driver.
He has made deliveries to just about every Sumner resident and business and has been in just about every break room of those same businesses within the Sumner city limits. When he is introduced to folks here in town, he usually follows the introduction with a handshake and recitation of their residential or business address.
After Gordy retired, he wanted to remain involved in the community so he would have a reason to stay in contact with all the friends he’s made in town through the years. Joining the SDA and becoming a board member and volunteer was a perfect fit.
If you’ve been to a wine walk, car show or parade, have eaten breakfast at Berryland or come to my office in the morning, you’ve probably met Gordy. He’s my right hand and, in my eyes, is tied for the official “Mr. Sumner” title. It’s a toss up between him and Councilman Leroy Goff.
The reason I’m writing about Gordy is that he was recently hospitalized and had a rather serious surgery, which has turned out splendidly I might add.
The amazing thing was how many people in the community knew about it and were concerned. My phone has been ringing off the hook like it was wine walk ticket sale time and I couldn’t even go into Fred Meyer or drive down Main Street without being stopped and asked how Gordy was.
Terry and Karen Flippin of Artistic Solutions took a huge card around to businesses, residents and city hall for people to sign and wish him well.
To those of you who signed, he wanted you all to know how much it meant to him to read all of your comments. It truly choked him up to try and tell me about it.
The good news is that he is home now and probably back walking downtown by the time this is published. I cracked up when he told me he was promoting Sumner to all the staff at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle and telling them to come and visit Sumner.
Well Gordy, you know how that card choked you up? Know that there are even more folks downtown who love you and appreciate all you do for Sumner. I’ve got the phone bill to prove it.
This community knows that you are definitely one of the reasons our downtown is a great place to spend some time.
