Gordon Gregory passed on December 9, 2022, at the age of 92 years. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Joyce of 71 years. Gordon was born on April 3, 1930 to Stanley and Marion (Barlass) Gregory in Janesville, Wisconsin. Besides his wife, Joyce, he is survived by his daughter, Deborah (George) Wehn, his son, Steven (Karen) Gregory, two grandchildren, Kristy (Tim) Carter, Brian (Karly) Gregory and 5 great-grandchildren, Landen, Lilah, Caleb, Reese and Elle. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Lonn (Carol) Schwartz.
Gordon, a Wisconsin native, graduated from Janesville High School and achieved Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin and its law school, moved to Detroit in 1955 and joined the International UAW legal Department. In 1963, he entered private practice and has for many years been the senior partner in one of Michigan's premier union-side law firms. He has represented unions and workers in a wide range of industries and professions, including education, firefighting, law enforcement, security, manufacturing, food processing and government. In the public sector, he was instrumental in developing Michigan labor law following passage of the Public Employment Relations Act in 1965 and the police and fire binding arbitration statute (Act 312) in 1969. In 1981, he successfully argued the landmark Burns case before the United States Supreme Court, a ruling that established the contours of a successor employer's duty to bargain.
Gordon served on the St. Clair Shores South Lake School Board for 15 years. He was an adjunct faculty member at Macomb County Community College and a regular guest lecturer at other colleges, universities, conferences and seminars. He was active in and chaired numerous professional organizations. He was Chairperson of the Labor and Employment Law Section in 1975-76. For many years up to the time of his passing, he was selected as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in the field of labor and employment law. In 2004 he received the 2003 Distinguished Service Award from the Labor and Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.
Gordon spent his entire career with the purpose of helping people in the workplace. He will be deeply missed by all who love him. Memorial contributions can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in his name. Services will be held at a later date.