Billi Gordon

Dr. Billi Gordon, who became a celebrity neuroscientist after many years in the entertainment world, never lost his connection to Dowagiac and the people he loved.  Gordon, a 1972 DUHS graduate who was president of the school’s Student Council and a member of the band and Varsity Club, died February 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, CA, where he had lived since the late 1970s.  He was 63.  To honor Gordon, who played the saxophone in the marching band, those who loved him created a memorial fund to pay for band instruments for students who can’t afford their own. Gordon was born on September 2, 1954 and attended Patrick Hamilton Elementary School, not far from his family home on Tuthill Street.  He was the son of Wilbert and Geneva Gordon.  He attended Crosier Seminary in Minnesota upon graduation from high school and his religion was an important part of his life.  He later transferred to and graduated from the University of Michigan, where he was part of the cheerleading squad, and he continued to be an ardent and vocal Wolverine fan for life. After attaining his undergraduate degree, Gordon earned a PhD in Integrative Behavioral Neuroscience at the Union Institute and University.  He later pursued a post-doctoral and research career in neuroscience at UCLA where he studied emotion, the pathophysiology of race and minority health disparities, as well as a variety of work in gastroenterology and obesity—all issues that impacted him personally, and for which he felt a sense of duty to help others. In his early years in college, Gordon showed an interest in the entertainment world, initially working as a stand-up comedian.  He was known for his special combination of in-your-face humor and flamboyant public demeanor, but also for a generosity of spirit and kindness that allowed him to reach a large audience in promoting his passion for social justice and personal acceptance. After moving to Los Angeles, he became a greeting card model—reaching the top of that profession before moving on to acting and writing for television and the movies.  He appeared on the popular TV series Married With Children and opposite Eddie Murphy in Coming To America. A talented writer, he wrote sitcom episodes and multiple humor books such as the cookbook, You’ve Had Worse Things in Your Mouth. As a writer, Gordon authored the immensely popular Obesely Speaking column that appeared regularly in Psychology Today; his blogs were featured in the Huffington Post and the LA Times.  In this work, he touched on interpersonal issues, health, stereotyping, and prejudice with compassion and a nearly boundless self-effacing humor.  He was profiled in the LA Times in 2009 (“A Body Larger Than Life”) as a 700-pound patient (down from nearly 1,000 pounds) who was too large for hospital machines to handle as he prepared for surgery to remove a large mass on his thigh.  Gordon leveraged his PhD and scientific contributions into his success in writing on health issues.  He was beloved by his enormous circle of friends on whom he lavished his personal generosity, humor, and intelligence. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Doris (Ewells) Hollingsworth; and a brother, James (Lois) McGinnis.  He is survived by his spouse of 30 years, Robert Schallert of Los Angeles; his nieces Cynthia Hollingsworth and Diane Torrence; and nephews Don (Sandra) Hollingsworth, Kenneth (Dianne) Hollingsworth, Brian Hollingsworth and James McGinnis, Jr.; brothers-in-law John Schallert II and Patrick Schallert; a special cousin, Gwen Reeves; and many nieces and nephews. A homecoming wake will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2018 at Clark Chapel, Dowagiac.  A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church, Dowagiac with the Reverend Richard Altine officiating.  Private interment at Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac, will follow at a later date. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.clarkch.com.  In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible charitable contributions may be made to Dowagiac Union Schools with “Billi Gordon Memorial Band Fund” written in the check memo or on the envelope.  Please send donations to Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI 49047.