Gordon Martin Brinkman

Gordon Brinkman, 90, was born July 16, 1931 and went to be with his Lord July 7, 2022

Gordon was a friend to strangers, a very humble and loving man. He will be remembered as being a faithful servant to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He was generous, kind, thoughtful, sincere, strong, loyal, and protective. He was never boastful, nor did he brag about his many accomplishments in life.

Raised in Staten Island, New York, Gordon graduated high school and secured a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Wagner College. He served in the Army from 1953 to 1955, and Army Reserve Corps until 1961. He received prestigious awards including the OCC Medal Germany, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. He went on to work for 39 years at Exxon Chemical as a manager in research and development, Chemicals Division.

Gordon met Lillian Sonnergren Terkelsen while singing in the Zion Lutheran Church choir; they married and lived a long and happy life together until her recent passing. Taking care of his family was always Gordon’s biggest priority in life. He passed on special values such as being humble and modest to his grandson Royce and his sense of humor and love of comedy to his son Bob.  He was proud of his Scandinavian heritage and loved his family deeply! Special family trips included taking his wife and mother to Europe in 1980 and the trip to Disneyworld in 1972 with his family, mother, and aunts. He also enjoyed golfing, painting, and classical music.

Gordon is reunited with his loving wife, Lillian; grandson, Royce; brothers, Ernest and Charlie; parents, Ernst and Margaret Brinkman; and many other extended family members, friends, and colleagues.

Gordon is survived by his children, Gail Terkelsen, Carol and Jim Hansen, Carl and Diana Terkelsen, Eric and Lorri Terkelsen, Barbara (Brinkman) Fitzgerald, and Bob and Angelique Brinkman. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great, great grand-child.

Gordon was a strong Christian and believed in giving back through Habitat for Humanity and Boys and Girls Country. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in the name of Gordon and Lillian Brinkman to Boys and Girls Country of Houston by visiting their site.  https://boysandgirlscountry.org/you-can-make-a-difference/donate/