Norbert E. F. Gordon was born November 29, 1924, to Harry Gordon and Sophie Ravel Gordon. A lifelong Oklahoma City resident, Mr. Gordon attended Classen High School. In 1946, he graduated from Oklahoma City University where attended on a scholarship and would form a deep connection to his alma mater. After college, Norbert began working for his uncle, Oklahoma City jeweler Samuel Gordon, as a diamond salesman. He eventually went into business for himself as a diamond wholesaler and traveled the country.
After spending more than 30 years as a salesman, Mr. Gordon embarked on his second career as a successful real estate investor in Oklahoma City. He was also passionate about the arts and delighted in reflecting on his favorite ballet and opera performances and art exhibits. Norbert had a great love for animals and compassion for those in need. His family describe him as very frugal man who rarely thought of himself first, always led by thoughtfulness and zest for life.
Before his passing in 2016, the 91-year old established a fund with the Oklahoma City Community Foundation that continues to support a number of charitable causes important to him, including services for elderly citizens to help them remain living independently in their homes.