MUSKEGON, Mich. — The family of a Muskegon fisherman is honoring his legacy. Seventy-seven-year-old David Gordon was out fishing with his son on the Grand River Monday when their boat overturned, leading to Gordon's death.
Gordon’s family said he was a family man and that they will miss him dearly.
"It will always be a missing link in this family, he took care of us, we didn't have to want for nothing, for nothing," said David Gordon's wife, Dorothy Gordon.
Dorothy Gordon described her husband as a man with a big heart who would give you the shirt off his back.
"It's hard. He was my best friend. He was a friend to everybody. His love was not only with his family, his love was everywhere," said Dorothy Gordon.
Her husband was an avid fisherman and nicknamed "Captain Hook" by his family. Regina Winston is Gordon's daughter and said on Monday, Gordon and her brother were fishing in Robinson Township when their boat was caught by a wave in the Grand River and capsized.
"From that point on, my brother--they were calling for help, and they were in the water for a while, and maybe some of the neighbors, someone somewhere around the line, heard Melvin calling and the neighbor called out for police assistance, and they got there, but Dad had been in the water for too long," said Regina Gordon Winston.
"Everybody is devastated. They're devastated. You know, Dad's been a good guy. He's been an awesome leader. He's been a good friend to everybody. They love dad. Everybody loved daddy," said Regina Gordon Winston.
David Gordon was the pastor and founder of Refuge Healing Temple Outreach Ministries in Muskegon Heights for 24 years. He leaves behind his wife Dorothy of 46 years and 13 children.
Gordon's nephew told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that while they mourn his uncle's loss, they know his legacy will live on forever.
"My uncle, he definitely will be missed at the table. He'll be missed, but not forgotten, and he'll be loved past forever," said Brian Bailey, David Gordon's nephew.
For more details on how you can help the family, you can find that information by visiting their Facebook page here.