Gordon Sisk

          Gordon Weidemier Sisk passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday evening May 28, 2022.

          Affectionately known as “Poppy” to his family, Gordon was born April 13, 1934, the only child of George and Helen Sisk, in Orland, CA.  He spent his elementary school years in the Santa Rosa area.  When he was 12, the family moved to Hemet and began raising turkeys at a ranch on north Warren Road.  Gordon graduated from Hemet High School in 1952.  During his high school years he was active in clubs, drama productions, and sports.  He was Hemet High School’s representative to Boys State in Sacramento in 1951.

          After high school Gordon spent two years at UC Davis and a year at Art Center in Pasadena.  He returned to Hemet to help with the family turkey business as well as to run Sisk Motor Parts.  In 1956 he married Virginia Ann Searl, and, shortly thereafter, they began their family.  Four children were born in the next five years: Richard in 1957, David in 1958, Jane in 1959, and James in 1962.  Gordon was a talented artist and later used his drawing skills in his career as a draftsman.  He began drafting at the Deutsch Corporation in Banning and later moved to a Hemet civil engineering firm—Neste, Brudin, and Stone—where he worked for nearly three decades.  He also returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985 from Cal State San Bernardino.

          Gordon and Virginia led an active retired life.  They were always willing to help watch their seven grandchildren, but also found time for travel.  They enjoyed Elderhostel trips to Maine lighthouses, the battlefield at Gettysburg, and a Civil War museum in Navarro, TX.  They took a trip to the British Isles as well.  And, they made dozens of trips to their beloved second home in Mendocino, CA.

          Gordon is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia Sisk, as well as children Richard Sisk (Cheryl), David Sisk (Yvonne),  and Jane Whitson (Bill).  He was preceded in death by his son James Sisk (Kim). He was also preceded in death by grandson Michael Whitson.   Surviving grandchildren include Jennifer Burgener (Kenny), Jacqueline Sisk, Nolan Sisk (Megan), Katie Sisk, Laura Hackworth (Mark), and Brady Sisk.  Gordon also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Cash Burgener and Elliot Sisk. 

          A memorial service will be held Saturday June 18, 2022, at Hemet Valley Mortuary, 403 N. San Jacinto Street, Hemet, Ca, 92543. The service will begin at 2:00 PM.

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