Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park recently announced that Mr. Bob Gordon, Jr. would assume the position of President at our historically significant funeral home and cemetery, as outgoing President and CEO Ken Varner transitions to a new role at Cypress Lawn as a consultant and Chairman of the Board of Cypress Funeral Services, Inc. in order to spend more time with his family. You may have read about some of Bob’s background and professional experience when we announced this on our blog, but we want to invite you to get to know Bob on a bit more personal level today with this exclusive interview.

Why did you choose to get into the funeral service and cemetery profession?

I was born into the profession, a fourth-generation funeral director and cemeterian. My great-grandfather, both a graduate of Yale and a citrus rancher, purchased controlling interest in a cemetery in Southern California in 1926 – 91 years ago. My childhood home was on the 100-acre cemetery, and I began working for my family after school and during summers from age 12. This experience allowed me to learn and perform every position in the funeral home, cemetery, and crematory. This is a huge advantage for me and makes it easier for our entire team.

What is your favorite thing about working in this industry?

I love the funeral service and cemetery industry, and I love coming to work every day. As a funeral service professional, we are given the opportunity to have an incredible impact each and every day on the families we serve. When we execute a service, reception, or burial properly, we allow families to remember fondly, heal timely, and celebrate life. In addition to that, having the honor of serving in a leadership role affords me the opportunity to help others succeed in their careers.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My wife, Patty, and I live in Danville, CA. I have five children: Zach (24), Kenedi (19), Jack (9), Gracie (6), and Mason (5). We have two Labrador Retrievers and a Persian cat. We enjoy travel, amusement parks, and exploring the outdoors. We love road trips!

What do you love most about living in the Bay Area?

Being a Southern California coastal native, living in the Bay Area offers similar benefits like diversity, cultural experiences, and the opportunity to be in the mountains and at the beach on the same day. We were looking for a great place to raise our kids, and I do believe we have found what we were looking for.

When you think of your first year at Cypress Lawn and beyond – what are you most excited about?

To maintain the Association as the most prestigious garden cemetery in Northern California, to ensure our properties are maintained at the highest levels, and to remain connected and relevant to the community are my primary goals and where my energies will be. My excitement is built on utilizing our financial resources and the teamwork of our more than 200 skilled, passionate, and caring employees to continually carry this vision forward. Together, we will all contribute to the lasting legacy of this great historical asset in California. I love being part of this.

Click here to learn more about Bob and this exciting transition at Cypress Lawn.