"Coach" Bruce Leigh Gordon

“Coach” Bruce Leigh Gordon passed away peacefully in his sleep August 20, 2016. He grew up in El Paso, and sports were a major focus in his life. He was involved in football, wrestling, and track. He played football at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, but finished his education with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Education from UTEP. Bruce’s favorite and primary roles in life were that of a loving and devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. He was a coach, educator, pilot, flight instructor and Motorcycle Rider Instructor. He had his fifteen minutes of fame when he crashed a Bonanza airplane into the lake at the Sunland Park Racetrack. Bruce loved outdoor activities, including coaching, traveling, RVing, and fishing, and was a motorcycle enthusiast. Bruce never met a stranger and always brought a smile and laugh to a conversation. He touched the lives of many of his students, many of whom came back to let him know that their accomplishments were due to the work ethic he instilled in them. These stories and memories were some of his proudest moments. He coached all levels of sporting activities, and had runners, as well as relay teams ranked at both state and national levels. Two of his former football players went on to play in the NFL, and two track runners competed in Olympic games. Bruce never failed to mention that he had a wonderful life. His parents, Stanley Gordon, Bettye Gordon Kohlhagen, and brother Michael predeceased him. Bruce is survived by his wife, Erline Schecter Gordon; daughter, Jennifer; son Andrew (Shari); and grandchildren, Noah, Trinity, Addison, and Ashtyn. His sister, Patricia Sawey, and numerous cousins also survive him. Finally, he will be missed by his faithful and loving companion, Alf. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Temple Mt. Sinai or The El Paso Humane Society. Graveside funeral services will be held at Temple Mt. Sinai Cemetery on Monday, August 22, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Rabbi Ben Zeidman officiating, Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home West. Please visit our online registry book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.