Gordon was born in Glasgow on 13 January 1929. He was educated at Kings Park Secondary School and was an exceptional student as well as a good footballer. He had a trial for Queens Park Football Club and up to his death on 11 December he claimed that they had never got back to him with feedback. He graduated from the University of Glasgow Dental School in 1954. Upon graduation he was offered a job in Ayr. He established a successful dental practice, brought up five children, became a forensic odontologist at the University of Glasgow Dental School, acted as Secretary of Ayrshire Dental Society for 40 years and established a very impressive garden in Ayr as well as a hydrangea and rose garden at Maidens.

Gordon was awarded his postgraduate doctorate by the University of Glasgow in 1981. He would remind dentists who used the courtesy title Dr that his doctorate had been awarded on the basis of a thesis on forensic dentistry. In 1974 Gordon was appointed as the Scottish dental member of the Ministry of Civil Aviation Aircraft Disaster Team. He was appointed as a research assistant in Forensic Odontology in Glasgow Dental School in 1975 and remained in post for over 20 years. His expertise was based on his research into bite marks left by criminals on foodstuff at the scene of the crime.

To most dental professionals in the West of Scotland, Gordon was known as a busy general dental practitioner having practised for many years in Drongan, East Ayrshire. He chaired the Local Dental Committee (LDC) as well as serving as chair of the Area Dental Committee and professional member of the Dental Service Committee.

Gordon was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in 1996 and his larynx was removed. In true style he went on to become an expert in oesophageal speech and helped many other patients develop their skills. Subsequent to his operation he continued to chair committee meetings as well as delivering a short presentation to the Ayrshire Dental Society.

Gordon is survived by his widow, Christine, children Janis, Martin, Ritchie, Ainsley, Elinore and stepson Kenneth, as well as five grandchildren.