In memory of Gordon Shipp: Giving from the heart
Everything comes from the heart. “The heart of the matter should always be the matter of one’s heart in everything we do,” he says. This sentiment acts as a guidepost for his life – in his role as founder and CEO of his company, as husband to Virginia and as a former chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees.
Gordon’s 4-year battle with cancer ended on January 18, 2020. He is dearly missed. Gordon was a simple man who was always positive, compassionate and brought people together for the common good. He wanted to be remembered as a good friend, a man of strong core values and a great bass fisherman!
Born in Yuma, Arizona, Gordon was raised in the San Gabriel Valley within a middle-class family. A graduate of Mount San Antonio College in Fire Science, he worked as an emergency medical technician and as an instructor for the American Red Cross. When his father gave him the remarkable gift of his life’s savings, Gordon started Medic-1 Ambulance Service in 2001.
His father’s belief in him and in the next generation set the stage for Gordon’s success and community involvement. With more than a dozen years as a volunteer for Foothill Presbyterian Hospital, Gordon joined the Foundation Board of Trustees in 2011.
During his years as board chairman, Gordon credited the health care system’s President and CEO Robert Curry’s leadership as his inspiration to become more involved in health care. “Rob demonstrated a tangible commitment to transforming health care in our community,” he says. “The patient-driven focus, improved delivery of care and financial stability renewed my belief in the mission of the hospital and the importance of philanthropy.” As part of his increasing involvement, Gordon and his company committed generous sponsorships of the Foundation’s fundraising events.
For Gordon’s memorial service, his family had asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Emanate Health Hospice (formerly Citrus Valley Hospice) in his memory.
Gordon inspired others to make a difference with their time, talent and treasure. For Gordon, it was a privilege to serve and give it all the heart that he could.