Gordon William Emhoff Obituary (1981

Gordon William Emhoff July 25, 1981 - August 23, 2026 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Gordon Emhoff, 45, who died in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, August 23, 2026 in Cowiche, WA. Gordon lived big, loved fiercely, and left an impression on everyone who crossed his path – whether he was caring for them, waiting on them, or making them laugh when they least expected it. Gordon is survived by his parents, Sharon Pickering (Larry Blickem) and Keith Emhoff (Peggy); his sister, Amanda Emhoff; his stepsister, Katie Rollinger; his nieces Stephanie Green, Ashley White, and Mariah Strayhorn, and his younger nieces and nephews, who he adored without limit. He is also survived by his great-uncle Fred Pickering (Linda); his uncles Dave Pickering (Carol) and Steve Emhoff (Sally Rogers); and his cousins Amy, Eric, Matthew, Jason, and their families. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob and Luella Pickering, Bill and Noella Emhoff, and Sam and Eydie Derby; his brother, Jacob Lennartz; and his dog, Fiona Bella. Gordon is also survived by the many friends, coworkers, and riding buddies who considered him family. Gordon was a caregiver at heart with a sharp wit and dry sense of humor that came through even on the job. He worked as a Registered Nurse at The Terraces of Summitview, where he was known throughout the Valley for the kindness and care he brought to his residents. Throughout his life, Gordon had a passion for making people feel taken care of. He worked at Whistlin’ Jack's Lodge from age 14 to 17, before waiting tables at Red Robin and the Outback Steakhouse in Yakima, where guests still remember the service he gave them. During his years in California, he took on bartending gigs for large events while earning his real estate license. Eventually, he found his true calling and returned to school to study nursing. During the pandemic, he worked on the health and safety crew for a number of movie sets, before relocating back to Yakima to be closer to family and friends – and to become the nurse so many in the Valley would come to know and rely on. Those who knew Gordon knew his humor first. Dry, deadpan, and always a little "smart ass," he had a gift for keeping people guessing whether he was joking or serious. Underneath the jokes was a generosity that never had strings attached. If you were broken down 300 miles away, Gordon wasn't asking about gas money, he was already in the car. He was happiest outside: on a surfboard in California, carving through fresh powder on his snowboard, or out on the water kayaking. He rode motorcycles regularly with his nephew Darrion and a local crew known as the "Bike Clique" who welcomed him in right away, loved his sense of humor, and nicknamed him "Unc." His rides were more than a hobby – they were where he felt most free. He had an eclectic taste in music to match his personality, with a record collection spanning alternative rock to metal to old school rap. Gordon loved his nieces and nephews wholeheartedly, and every one of them has a favorite "Uncle Gordon" story. One of his most beloved traditions was his famous tacky Christmas suit, originally bought for a work Christmas party years ago, and worn every holiday since. Gordon leaves behind a community richer for having known him – patients who felt truly cared for, friends who never had to ask twice for help, and a family that will spend a long time laughing through their tears over his jokes. Ride easy, Gordon. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring and announced at www.brooksidefuneral.com, where memories and condolences can also be shared.