The J. Murray and Crystal Gordon Endowment Fund was established by their children, Dave Gordon and Ruth Gough, together with their spouses Ann (Gordon) and Sheldon (Gough), in memory of their parents, J. Murray and Crystal Gordon.

Murray and Crystal were born in New Jersey.  They became Midwesterners in 1953 when Murray, who worked for The Prudential Life Insurance Company, was transferred to Minneapolis.  The couple, with their children Dave and Ruth, left friends and relatives in New Jersey to move to Minneapolis.

Being involved in the community and helping others was very important to both of them. Murray was very active in Masonry and Crystal in Eastern Star.  Crystal joined the First Presbyterian Church and was very involved at the Chippewa Manor Nursing Home as President of the Residence Council and Heart Fund Campaign Chairperson.

The Chippewa connection deepened in 1997 when Ruth and her husband Sheldon Gough moved to Chippewa Falls. Since Murray had passed away, Crystal followed them soon after in 1998 and moved into the Chippewa Manor Apartments. The Chippewa connection was completed in 2004 when, after retiring, Dave and Ann moved to Chippewa Falls where they have each become highly involved in community activities.

"Because Mom and Dad both loved Chippewa Falls and called it their (second home) we decided they would approve of us starting a fund in their name to benefit this fine community," said Dave, speaking for himself and his sister.

This unrestricted endowed fund created a lasting legacy of generosity in J. Murray and Crystal Gordon's name, grants from their fund are distributed annually, ensuring ongoing support for local nonprofits and community programs forever.