Rancho Mirage Mayor Pro Tem Moller Dies
City of Rancho Mirage Mayor Pro Tem Gordon Moller has died of natural causes at the Eisenhower Medical Center Monday says a news release by the city.
Mayor Pro Tem Moller passed away peacefully with his life partner of 42 years, Charles Townsend, by his side. Mayor Pro Tem Moller is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Moller of Austin Texas.
The flag over City Hall flies at half-mast in honor of one of the City’s most dedicated and respected leaders says the statement.
Gordon Moller was originally from Minnesota; enlisted in the United States Navy where he served four years active duty. For much of his business career, Gordon served in key leadership positions, including 25 years as an Executive with International Aluminum Corporation.
Gordon has been a California resident since the early 1960s. For 30 years, Gordon co-owned and operated the Charles Townsend Collection. He and Charles relocated to Rancho Mirage 16 years ago from Pasadena, California. Gordon served two terms as President of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce.
Gordon was appointed to the City Council to fill a vacancy in April 2006. He was subsequently elected for a four-year term in 2008 and reelected in 2012, when he ran unopposed. Gordon served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2008, Mayor in 2009, Mayor Pro Tem in 2012, and was scheduled to become Mayor again in 2013.
The entire City Council, City Manager (past and present) and City Attorney had an opportunity to meet with Gordon to convey their personal good byes shortly before his passing.
Mayor Pro Tem Moller will be greatly missed not only for his dedicated service to the residents of Rancho Mirage, but also for his genuine concern for those who relied on services and assistance provided by the City.
It was Gordon’s belief that “government is here to serve the public, not to complicate governmental processes.” He was devoted to doing everything he could to simplify the red tape involved with providing services to the public.
Services for Moller will be held this Thursday at 11:00 a.m at Forest Lawn Mortuary located on the southwest corner of Ramon and Davall, directly across Ramon from Desert Memorial Park.
Moller was 73.
