Deaths elsewhere

May 10, 2008

PAUL B. GORDON, 84

Food distributor owner

Paul B. Gordon, who expanded Gordon Food Service Inc. into one of the largest family-owned food distributors in North America, died Tuesday at his home in Ada, Mich., after a brief battle with cancer. The death was confirmed by B. Joseph White, president of the University of Illinois and a member of the company's board.

Mr. Gordon's grandparents started the business in 1897, delivering eggs and butter.

After serving in the Navy during World War II and graduating from the University of Michigan, he joined the business in 1948 as a salesman. He followed his father, Ben Gordon, as president in 1965.

Under his direction, the company developed its frozen food business and its retail presence, while expanding its work force from a few hundred employees to more than 10,000.

Last month, Forbes magazine listed Gordon Food Service as No. 46 among the country's largest privately owned companies, with estimated sales of $5.9 billion in 2007.