Gordon Findlay Dyer: October 2, 1935 – June 19, 2017

The late Gordon Dyer. –Courtesy photo

“I have just learned of the death of Gordon Dyer, a long time Monrovian whom I came to know and respect when he was active in Monrovia Garden Club. My mother and I were both presidents of that club. Every year, his presentations were a highlight of the year. Knowledgeable and articulate, his programs were among the best given. He will be missed by many.” -Susan Motander

The following information was supplied by the funeral directors, White Funeral Home.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, a memorial service celebrating the life of the late Gordon Findlay Dyer will be held at the White’s Funeral Home Chapel in Azusa, Calif. at 3 p.m. till 4 p.m. Dr. Bob Lupinacci PhD, Mr. Dyer’s partner for 33 years, will officiate.

Gordon Dyer was a well-known and much-loved person in the local area for many years. He passed away peacefully early Monday morning, June 19, 2017 in his home in Monrovia where he had lived for over 50 years.

Gordon Findlay Dyer was born Oct. 2, 1935, the son of John and Annie Dyer of St. Clair Shores, Mich. He attended St. Clair Shores public schools and graduated from South Lake High School in 1953. A scholarship recipient, he attended Michigan State University where he studied landscape architecture, theater and communication arts. He studied abroad in Mexico City in 1955. Following graduation from Michigan State University in 1958, Dyer returned to the St. Clair Shores School District to teach fifth grade for one fledgling year.

Dyer and his first partner, George Holt, moved to California in the early 1960s, where they established a home in Monrovia. While he took additional college classes to fulfill requirements for a California State Teaching Credential, Dyer explored his interests in fashion and modeling in Hollywood, and worked as a script typist for CBS for popular shows including “The Twilight Zone.”

At the end of this interim period, Mr. Dyer was hired to teach in the Glendora Unified School District, where he taught primarily elementary students for about 35 years. Throughout his career he was well-recognized for his conscientious, innovative and creative efforts, receiving many awards, including the California Teacher of the Year.

Following his retirement from the Glendora schools in 2000, Dyer continued to pursue his passion for teaching as an off-campus instructor for Citrus College and Cal-State Fullerton programs for seniors. For 17 years he conducted classes at the Duarte Senior Center and LaFetra Senior Center in Glendora. Many of the classes were based on the Great Courses lecture series and reflected Mr. Dyer’s own interests in art and music appreciation, history, philosophy, geology and writing one’s life story.

Mr. Dyer was actively involved in his community as a member of such organizations as the Santa Anita Family YMCA, the Huntington Library, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Monrovia Garden Club, Monrovia Historic Preservation Group and more. During endless hours spent in his garden, he created ever-evolving, award-winning landscapes that were appreciated by neighbors and friends; maintained a sanctuary for birds and butterflies and found solace for his soul.

Gordon Dyer was a man who pursued culture and learning, a man who loved nature. With style and confidence, he shared that sense of the good life with others.

Dyer is survived by his loving husband, Robert Lupinacci of Monrovia; older brother and wife, Ernie and Janice Dyer of Hilton Head, S.C.; younger brother and wife, Bruce and Kay Dyer, of Nova, Mich.; sister and husband, Pamela and Ron Gallinger, of Plymouth, Mich.; late oldest brother Jack’s wife, Cathleen Dyer as well as four nephews and four nieces.

A private family inurnment will take place on Gordon’s birthday, Monday, Oct. 2, at Live Oak Memorial Park, Monrovia.