Gordon and Doris Wear

Gordon and Doris Wear. Historic Fairbanks. , Although the use of the riverfront changed over the years, the people of Fairbanks retained their love for the Chena River. Today, the riverfront's parks and trails make it one of the most attractive recreational areas in Fairbanks, but not too long ago the banks of the river lay neglected. Neglected-until a resident living near the river made beautification his project., During the summer months Gordon Wear planted flowers and trimmed shrubs, weeded and watered. Gordon loved the river that gave birth to Fairbanks and found great satisfaction in enhancing its environment., The late 1940s and the 1950s brought a new kind of pioneer to Alaska, men and women shaped by World War II and the Cold War years that followed. Gordon Wear and his wife Doris arrived in Fairbanks in 1954. Born in Oklahoma, Wear left a job as an oil company auditor in Texas to sell insurance catering to military clients. From his clients Gordon heard about Alaska, and the opportunities of the territory caught his imagination. He convinced Doris to put their furniture in temporary storage; they packed their car and headed north on the adventure of a lifetime., The Wears were welcomed with opened arms and his insurance agency flourished. Gordon and Doris settled into one of the oldest Fairbanks homes along the riverfront, built in 1904 by R.C. Wood, a local banker and businessman., Fairbanks embraced aviation. Residents often spent more on their planes than on their homes, and even modest log cabins had airstrips. It was a land made to order for Gordon and Doris. Gordon became an enthusiastic member of the newly formed Civil Air Patrol, eventually becoming state commander and lieutenant colonel. The air patrol flew many rescue missions looking for downed flyers in the Bush., Doris taught school. The Wears were tireless volunteers in numerous community organizations. Fairbanks was home. They remained here for the rest of their lives; Doris passed away in July of 1996 and Gordon three months later., Gordon and Doris Wear contributed to their adopted home in many ways. Together and individually they volunteered their time to their church and were known for their generosity in hosting their numerous military and civilian friends. Gordon served as president of the Rotary Club, and worked with the Chamber of Commerce. In 1987 Wear received an honorary doctorate of public service from the Alaska Pacific University (then known as Alaska Methodist University). Gordon and Doris spent the last years of a full and rich life in beautifying their garden and the river fronting it., Gordon K. Wear Park. , The Rotary Club of Fairbanks proudly sponsors this garden overlook site to provide restful space where residents and visitors can experience the solitude of the river amidst the vibrancy of our city. We dedicate this site in loving memory of Rotarian Gordon K. Wear, 1907-1996, who lived a few yards down river and annually planted hundreds of flowers on its banks at his on expense and labor. Gordon understood that the Chena River gave birth to Fairbanks, sustained it for decades, and should remain a focal point for life in this city.