October 16, 2006
Gordon Baldwin.
I'm sad to report that my colleague Gordon Baldwin has died. The news comes over the email that Gordon, who we knew was ill, "died last night in his sleep in Italy after attending an opera." Gordon was a wonderful colleague, full of wit and kindness. It is hard to believe he will not always be sitting there in the faculty library, reading the newspaper by the window that looks out on the mall and ready to look up when you say "Hi, Gordon" and have another conversation about life, law, everything.
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5 comments:
Wow - this is very sad news. Gordon was a a steadfast supporter of academic freedom and faculty rights. And when I first arrived on campus in 1989, his wife let me drive her Miata.
Hmm. My comment may have come across as flippant, and was certainly not meant to be. I was a 1st year assistant professor, intimidated by all of the heavy hitters attendng a large party. I had just met Gordon and his wife, and offhandedly said that coming into the house I saw a blue Miata, and loved those cars. Without hesitation, his wife (whose name I cannot remember, unfortunately) said it was hers and asked if I wanted to drive it. Gordon just smiled and said have at it. Here I was, a total newbie, driving around (fast) in the Baldwins' Miata.
Gordon was a gracious and brave man. And I'm not talking about letting me drive the Miata.
A gentleman in the best sense of the word.
I had Con Law II with Baldwin. He was a great professor - a classic with his pipe. Also a great supporter of the military and ROTC on campus.
He was one of the few conservative leaning law professors, which was a relief at left leaning UW.
The staff and faculty listservs at the UW law school are currently inundated with expressions of sorrow, and many fond stories remembering Gordon. He embodied the best of the UW law community in his modesty, good humor, and sharp-witted intelligence... and in his strong devotion to the community itself. His fans and friends come from all age groups and parts of the political spectrum. He'll be sorely missed.
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