Gordon M. Booth, a 27 year Sales and marketing executive of Gilroy Foods and McCormick and Co, Inc. passed away on November 25th after a ten month battle with lung cancer. He was 61.
Mr. Booth, a native of the United Kingdom, moved to Baltimore County in 1980 to assume the International Sales director position with McCormick’s International division. He then transferred to Gilroy Foods in 1986. He retired in 2001 after directing McCormick/Gilroy Foods international onion and garlic sales efforts, living in Hunt Valley, MD, London, England and San Jose, CA.
Following his 2001 retirement, he launched Drivetrain USA, a successful advanced and defensive driver training business headquartered out of his San Jose, CA home which worked with both young drivers and corporations seeking better driving skills for employees.
In addition to his two business careers, Gordon was also a volunteer police officer with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and an active member of the F-4 Phantom Society. According to family and friends, he loved his weekly work with the CHP where he rode in a “black and white” with active duty officers patrolling California highways. He also teamed with other volunteers to provide a presence at schools and support the officers. Gordon received the CHP Volunteer of the Year Award in 2005. Gordon was the Worldwide Recruiter and Treasurer for the Phantom Society. This role kept him close to his love of jet aircraft which started from his early days with the Royal Navy.
Mr. Booth is survived by his wife Marilyn Dahlke Booth of San Jose, CA, his son Duncan G. Booth and his wife Jennifer, his daughter Helen B. Dyer and her husband Jay. He is also survived by his former wife, Jean R. Booth of Sparks, MD along with five grandchildren – Tucker, Molly and Mac Booth, and Emily and Jake Dyer, all of whom reside in the Timonium/Lutherville, MD area.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 16th, at 3 P.M., at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 1205 Pine Avenue, corner of Pine and Newport, in Willow Glen. A reception will follow at the Parish hall.
Donations may be made to your local American Cancer Society in Gordon’s name.
