Gordon Alex Moore
March 22, 1927-May 18, 2015
Woodside, CA, California

Gordon Alex Moore of Woodside, CA passed away on May 18, 2015 after a long illness. Gordon was the long-time owner of Talbot?s Toyland in downtown San Mateo, well-known for his dedication to the store and community involvement. Talbot?s Toyland is known and loved throughout the Peninsula by generations of families. Gordon was born in Chico, CA on March 22, 1927 to Gail and Imogene Moore. He graduated from Grant Union High School in North Sacramento, CA in 1944. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945 and served until being honorably discharged in July 1946. He studied at University of California at Berkeley, where he joined the Sigma Phi fraternity and also met Joan Talbot. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, he and Joan were married on May 22, 1948 in Carmel, CA. In 1953 Talbot?s Toyland opened at the corner of 5th and B Streets in San Mateo. Joan?s parents, Wilburn ?Lank? Talbot and his wife, Betty, founded the store, assisted by Gordon and Joan. Lank retired in 1967 and Gordon assumed ownership of the business. Over the years the store grew from a small corner shop to a business that is now a premier destination toy, hobby and bicycle shop for the San Francisco area. It is one of the largest remaining independent toy stores in the country. In 1995 management of the business was passed on to his sons, Steve Moore and Gary Moore. In 1999 Gordon and Talbot?s Toyland were named Retailer of the Year by the WTHRA (Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association). Gordon was also Past President of the Greater Downtown San Mateo Association. Enjoying the outdoors, fishing and travel were important to Gordon and his family. His early years of fishing Chico Creek and spending summers at the family cabin in Jonesville, CA cultivated a love of nature that was later reflected in their home in the woods where they enjoyed forests, wildlife and views from high on Skyline Ridge as well as ?forest gardening? which required use of their tractor, wood chippers and multiple chainsaws. As avid skiers, golfers and fishers Gordon and Joan traveled the West, Canada and Alaska. They also toured much of Europe by foot with their European Walking Tours group, a collection of friends from UC Berkeley who spent many summers together. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Gail Moore Junior. He is survived by his wife, Joan; sons Stephen T. (Shirley) Moore and Gary E. (Terri) Moore; younger brother Gilbert L. (Susan) Moore, four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and their sweet dog Tizzy. At his request no services were held. The family suggests contributions to Warriors and Quiet Waters in memory of Gordon Alex Moore. http://warriorsandquietwaters.org

Tags: veteran, business