Born August 3, 1939, in Petersburg, Alaska, to Kristian and Agnes Odegaard, Gordon grew up in Petersburg and graduated from Petersburg High School in 1957. Beginning at seven years of age, he spent his summers commercial fishing with his father. During the school year, Gordon focused on his studies and pursued his passion for basketball. After graduation, he attended Ventura Junior College, Western Washington University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science, Northern Arizona University, where he earned a Master of Science, and the University of Iowa, where he completed his PhD.

Gordon devoted his career to education, beginning at Green Hill School and spending a year teaching at the American School in Lima, Peru. In 1967, he began teaching biology in the Mount Vernon School District, where he served in a variety of roles until his retirement in 1996. During his career, he started the district's first gifted program and served as the district's science resource person.
Gordon enjoyed staying active and was an avid runner, bicyclist, and cross-country skier. He regularly bicycled 30 to 60 miles at a time, including several century rides, and ran multiple marathons. He and his wife, Joanne (Matthews), traveled extensively, visiting all seven continents. Gordon was proud of his Norwegian heritage and traveled to Norway twice to visit family.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Joanne; his children, Bruce (Nicola) and Kristin (Gabriel); five grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Park Lodge in Mount Vernon on March 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the donor's preferred charity.