Birth date: Nov 4, 1940 Death date: May 5, 2019
Gordon L. Rinard, age 78, passed away Sunday afternoon, May 5, 2019, at the Poppen Residence. He was born November 4, 1940 in Arcadia, MI to Gordon and Gladys (Ashcraft) Rinard and had resided most of his life in the Muskegon area Read Obituary
To an awesome loving learned man, too many and from many he grew until his home going. I will miss him. I know he is at peace. No more worries. He has joined my loved ones. I believe we will see them again.
from another soul on this same journey, for we are all just visitors here.
Emmaj
I first met Gordon in the Institute for Healing Racism – Muskegon. The impact on me was so emotional that I decided to attend a second Institute. Soon after, I became a facilitator for the Institute.
Gordon changed my life. When participants were urged to write a plan for how we would fight racism in our life, I simply wrote, “Confront Confront Confront.” I have not varied from that plan, thanks to Gordon. I can only hope I have impacted others the way Gordon and the Institute for Healing Racism changed my life forever. Rest in Peace, Gordon. And Peace to you, Stephanie.
James Bol
Sad to hear of Gordon’s passing. I so enjoyed learning from him when Kim and I came back to Muskegon 12 years ago. The work he and Stephanie did with the Institute remains important to my own development. It was great to have the chance to visit with him at McAuley Place and share memories. Blessings to the family at this time of loss.
Gordon was an important founding member of the fraternity Phi Sigma Kappa at Western Michigan University. Although my attempts to reconnect with Gordon over the years failed, I still remember him as a very funny articulate and smart brother of that fraternity.
So sorry to hear that Gordon isn't in this world anymore. Such a man of passion for justice. You know, I'll always remember his coming to the door of the "Yellow House" (where Muskegon County Cooperating Churches was housed quite some time ago) at a time when we were floundering. He was just what the organization needed at that time -- a person of great energy, who really took up the cause of justice and racial healing. CUP (Community Uniting for Peace), and the Institute for Healing Racism might not have happened without his passion and persistence. His legacy of community justice will live on, but I'm sure you'll miss him dearly. Hugs, Stephanie, and family.
Sorry for the loss of a "beautiful soul". As a 'student ' of one of the first "Healing Racism" classes facilitated by Gordon, I was truly touched by this wonderful person who cared for ALL. RIP.
In memory of my Muskegon Heights Tiger and Western Michigan University Bronco fellow alumnus and friend Gordon L. Rinard, founder of the Institute for Healing Racism - Muskegon, thank you for asking me to join you on your journey and vision to "build a just community in which racism, prejudice, hate, and their effects are eliminated." You and your adorable mate Stephanie truly made a difference in my life and the lives of well over 3,000 other persons via the Institute dialog experience.
Stephanie and family. We are so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. Our prayers are with you as you say your goodbyes. You both were great strength for our mom, Wiladene. Blessings to you all.
Ron & Lynn Stickel
