• Tonight, I would like to adjourn in memory of Gordon Uppman — a man whose passion for local history helped preserve and share the story of the Santa Clarita Valley for countless residents, students and visitors through the years.
• Originally from Minnesota, Gordon built a life rooted in service and education.
• He graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Business Management and worked in engineering at ITT Gilfillan, a Van Nuys-based unit of ITT Defense & Electronics.
• Despite his Midwest upbringing, Gordon had a wealth of knowledge about California history.
• He believed history should not simply sit on a shelf in books or photographs. He believed it should be experienced, shared and brought to life.
• For years, Gordon dedicated his time and talents to Rancho Camulos Museum, where he became a familiar face to generations of schoolchildren visiting the historic property.
• Whether he was guiding children through the 1853 adobe, teaching them how adobe bricks were made or sharing stories of the Del Valle family and Rancho Camulos, Gordon had a gift for making history engaging and memorable.
• His impact extended far beyond the classroom tours.
• Gordon coordinated docent schedules, recruited volunteers, maintained museum signage and became Rancho Camulos Museum’s very first “Docent of the Year.”
• His love of history and service to the community also extended to the SCV History Center at William S. Hart Park, where he volunteered as a docent at the Saugus Train Station Museum with the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society.
• Earlier in his life, he also played an important leadership role with the Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates, helping guide the organization during difficult times and even developing its first website more than two decades ago.
• Because of Gordon Uppman, countless people — especially young people — gained a deeper appreciation for local history and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
• On behalf of the City Council, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Gordon’s family, friends and all those whose lives he touched.
• May his legacy continue to live on through the stories he so passionately shared.