H. Stephen Jordan

Cape Elizabeth - H. Stephen Jordan, son of Joseph F. and Emma (Borst) Jordan, brother to eight siblings, born on March 24, 1932 in South Portland, passed away on January 26, 2016 in such a way only he could have planned himself. Steve, who showed no signs the end was near, waited until his loving son and devoted wife of 47 years, who never left his side, departed from Gosnell Memorial Hospice minutes before he took his final breaths. In their last moments together as husband and wife, Catherine wiped tears from Steves eyes as she kissed his brow and whispered in his ear that he is her one and only, and he will always be in her heart. His daughter, Cara, who is just as stubborn as her Dad, was unwavering when it came to being with him during his final moments on earth. Steve granted his daughter this one last wish so as he peacefully went onto his next journey, she was there with him, hand in hand. While Steves absence has been devastating to his loved ones, solace can be found in that he is truly in a better place. Steve always said, In life, timing is everything. Well, Steve, you did it again; you lived to see your son achieve the ranking of a Non-Commissioned Officer in the Marine Corps, walk your daughter down the aisle, welcome your first grandchild into the world, and execute your final voyage with courage, dignity and grace. Steve came into great responsibility at an early age. After graduating from South Portland High School and New Hampton School, he enlisted in the Air Force where he served for six years, ultimately achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. Although the Air Force urged him to re-enlist, due to the early death of his father, he chose to return to Portland to oversee the familys growing business, Jordans Ready-To-Eat Meats, with his mother, sister, Marjorie Barber, and two brothers, Joseph Chet Jordan and David F. Jordan. After purchasing the company from their mother, Steve, Chet and David operated the company as equal partners. Steve served as Treasurer and Head of Operations. Although Steve was never one to discuss his accomplishments, he was committed to positively impacting his community. He was involved in many local affairs inclusive of serving as President of the Maine Independent Meat Packers Association, assuming a role on the Greater Portland Chamber of Commerce Board, and was a member of the National Independent Meat Packers Association and Lions Club. He also participated in charitable fundraising campaigns. Through the company name, Steve and his brothers were involved in bringing the Prince of Fundy and Civic Center to Portland, and establishing the Deering Oaks Family Festival. Steve can be described as a charming, soft-spoken, and easy-going man who looked at each day he was given in life as an opportunity for enjoyment. Many of his most cherished memories were connected to his love for the ocean. Whether it was spending summers at his familys cottage on Higgins, sailing his sloop, the Tempest, along the coast of Maine, having morning coffee with his wife at Fort Williams, or giving words of wisdom to his children during weekly walks around Baxter Boulevard, Steve seemed most happy when he was near the water. Even during his final days, he imagined himself on a craft adrift at sea with family and friends. The experience of learning about the life Steve had led can only be compared to the experience of reading a book you simply cant put down. His life was a series of incredible stories and at the turn of each page you hoped it was not the last. From the gambling trips to the George Rafts Colony Club in London to the times he used his key to make visits to the Playboy Club in Boston and Chicago, Steve lived for the adventure. There were also the escapades during annual ski outings to Aspen and Mont-Tremblant, and when he would pilot his Piper Tri-Pacer plane to weekend getaways. However, the pastime he was most passionate about throughout his entire life was golf. After getting breakfast at Rudys Diner, most mornings during Steves retirement you could find him teeing off with his buddies at The Purpoodock Club. Although he had the opportunity to spend countless hours playing golf on some of the most prestigious courses in the world there were two dreams of his that never came to fruition; a tee time at Augusta National or making a hole in one. Steve will be forever remembered as a loving, supportive husband who brought happiness and joy to his wife, the father who carried his childrens hearts in his heart, the father-in-law who was so proud of the son he had gained, and the Papa who cuddled, kissed and intensely adored his infant grandson. Steves memory will live through us, and with each day that passes we will be grateful for the love we have received. Steve is survived by his wife, Catherine; his son Stephan of Portland; his daughter Cara Hanson and her husband David Hanson of Falmouth; his grandson Jordan Hanson; his brother David Jordan and wife Nancy of Cape Elizabeth; his two sisters, Marjorie Barber of Cape Elizabeth, Barbara Devine of Scarborough; and many nieces and nephews. Steves family would like to express their gratitude for the treatment provided by his doctors, Steven Dobieski, Roger Inhorn, and Gregory Adey as well as Steves girls, the VNA nurses, Cara and Marla. Lastly, the care provided by Gosnell was a blessing and their support during his final days will never be forgotten. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 12, 2016 at St. Bartholomews Church, 8 Two Lights Rd., Cape Elizabeth followed by a celebration of his life at The Purpoodock Club, 300 Spurwink Ave, Cape Elizabeth. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland, Maine. To view Steves memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com In lieu of flowers, donations in Steves memory can be made to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House of Southern Maine (www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org) and Tri for a Cure (www.triforacure.org).