OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. —
A fisherman and pastor who died after his boat capsized on the Grand River in Ottawa County on Monday is being remembered by his congregation and family.
77-year-old David Gordon and his son, Melvin Hardimon Sr., were avid fishermen. Officials said around 2:30 p.m., someone close to the river in Robinson Township heard yelling from the water.
Their boat was caught by a wave, officials said, and capsized.
A dive team from the township rescued both Muskegon area men from the water.
Gordon’s family told 13 ON YOUR SIDE Hardimon held Gordon in the water, trying to keep his airways open while holding onto the boat.
Gordon was unconscious and unresponsive. Although crews attempted lifesaving measures on the way to the hospital, Gordon was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The men were in the water for at least a half hour before rescuers got to them and were both wearing life jackets. The water, officials said, was around 40 degrees.
Gordon was the pastor and founder of Refuge Healing Temple Outreach Ministries in Muskegon Heights for 24 years.
His family told 13 ON YOUR SIDE their father has been fishing since he was a little boy with his father. With his father and brothers, Gordon would fish and hunt.
They said he was a family man, leaving behind 13 children and his wife of 46 years, Dorothy.
The church said on Facebook Tuesday, "His profound leadership and impact on the world and the Body of Christ as a whole, is immeasurable. He will be greatly missed by his First Lady and wife, church family, family, many loved ones and friends.”
Hardimon was warmed up at the scene and taken to a hospital to get checked out.