Jon Gilbert Acord's Obituary
While holding his daughters’ and wife’s hand and surrounded by family, Jon Acord left this earth for his eternal home on Friday, July 19th. Jon fought a relentless one year and seven month battle against Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Unfortunately in the end the cancer took over.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Michaels & All Angels Episcopal Church, 1704 NE 43rd Ave, Portland, on Saturday, August 10 at 11:00 am.
Jon was born in Newport, Rhode Island to Venderleen Stanger and Donald Acord on August 18, 1958. With a brief stop in Roseberg, Oregon, Jon was raised primarily in Veneta, Oregon. He was a guy of varied interests. He loved raising farm animals and boasted about his pet cow, Annie. Jon was active in many school activities including basketball, track, and band (trombone). He was known by all for his witty sense of humor. Jon graduated from Elmira High School in 1976,
Jon continued his education at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR where he made many lifelong friends. He continued playing basketball and track in college. Jon graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Economics.
In 1981 Jon met his best friend and soul mate Susan (Sue) Ehley. They were married on August 11, 1984 and would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this summer. The couple were married 15 years before welcoming their beautiful twin daughters, Jasmine and Sierra into their family. Jon loved, loved being a dad. He was actively involved in all aspects of his daughters’ lives. He was their cheerleader, support system, and role model. He coached their basketball and softball teams in elementary school, chaperoned class field trips, attended dance recitals, and choir outings. He supported Sierra during her soccer games and cheer season , never missing a game. He was also a noted presence at all of Jasmine’s dance competitions, half time performances at football games, and tennis matches. It was during Jasmine’s high dance team involvement, he became a Prop Pop, a title he was very proud of. It was through Prop Pops and his girls’ involvement in various activities, that he met his three buddies, Mike, Keith, and Don who became lifelong friends, long after the girls’ high school years.
Being physically active was an integral part of Jon’s life. He played on a city league basketball team after college well into his thirties. He took up running after the basketball took a toll on his body. He completed three marathons and numerous half marathons. Also, Jon ran on a Hood to Coast Team for many years. Jon loved hiking, running, and cross-country skiing with Sue. Exercise and Fitness were very important to him. Even during Jon’s days of fighting cancer, he walked 1 to 3 miles a day,
Jon enjoyed exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.. When Jon and Sue became parents they took their girls along on their adventures. They visited 30 plus states , Central America, The Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. Jon cherished all his trips and shared many stories about them.
Jon spent over thirty years in the managerial field, holding various management positions. He worked for Goodyear, Pumilite, Willamette Greystone, and Quikrete, Jon was a dedicated, reliable, and dependable employee. He made many connections and friends throughout his working years.
Service to his community was extremely important to Jon. He was a member of West Linn Rotary. In prior years he belonged to Gresham, East Portland, and Tualatin Rotary. While in Rotary his interest was focused on the Youth Exchange Program. He spent many hours on various community service projects associated with the Rotary Club.
Jon will forever be remembered as a loyal friend, dependable & trustworthy colleague, and a loving, caring, husband, father, brother, brother-in-law , and uncle. His sense of humor will be remembered by all.
Jon will be deeply missed by his wife of nearly 40 years, Sue, daughters: Jasmine and Sierra Acord, sisters: Donna Acord and Arlene Sachitano, brother and sister in-laws: Ron and Lori Ehley, Jack Sachitano, Nephews and Nieces: Karen Sachitano (Tzaddi Heatherstone), Annie Stange ( Alex), David Sachitano (Kate Poitier), Brianna Allen (Matt), and Blake Ehley (Elsa), great nephew and nieces: Malakai Davis, Amelia, Clair, and Evy Stange, Graham and June Allen.
Jon will be greeted in heaven by his parents Venderleen Stanger and Donald Acord, his in-laws Myron and Clara Ehley, and his niece Susan Sachitano.
The family would like any memorials sent in honor of Jon to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Jon Acord A Life Well Lived. We love you Jon.
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