Gordon Pace

Gordon Pace, 69 years old, died May 1, 2015 of pancreatic cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Hospital. A recent resident of Cypress, Texas, he lived in Alief for 40 years. Gordon was born in Sale, Cheshire, England to Herbert & Jessie Pace. Graduating from the University of Leeds in 1969, he immigrated to the United States in 1972 and eventually became a U.S. citizen. Gordon was a project manager/facilities engineer with over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, offshore and onshore. His work took him to many locations around the world including Russia, Alaska, Scotland, Brazil, and Africa, which fueled his love of travel. Gordon was an avid and very accomplished sailor. He docked his sailboat in the Kemah area where he loved to spend his free time. He participated in the race to Vera Cruz, the Harvest Moon Regatta, and sailed across the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas. One of his greatest loves was the historical tall ship, the Elissa. He worked crew in 2010 and was able to sail aboard her that year. In recent years, he and wife, Sia, shared a love of travel and of sailing and went together on many adventures, including trips to Europe, Mexico, Brazil, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Antigua. Wherever he went, his quiet demeanor and quick humor won him many friends. Gordon is survived by his wife Sia, his children, Bill and Riina Banik of Houston, Dana and David Martin of Alexandria, Iain and Delyar Pace of Houston, and by his grandchildren, Ronnie & Nadia Banik, and Logan and Emily Pace. In keeping with his love of sailing, his memorial will be held at the Elissa in Galveston, on 14 May. Due to the limitations, attendees are limited to family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Galveston Historical Foundation , with a designation in the notes "Keep Elissa Sailing". Special thanks to all the staff at MD Anderson who helped him through his final difficult days. "not all those who wander are lost" - JRR Tolkien