Gluesenkamp Perez’s Bipartisan Bill Passes Senate to Rename Bucoda Post Office in Honor of the Late Mayor Rob Gordon

Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s (WA-03) bipartisan legislation to rename the Bucoda Post office in honor of the late Mayor Rob Gordon passed the Senate. The Congresswoman voted with her bipartisan colleagues in the House to pass the legislation earlier this month, and it now will head to the President to be signed into law.

In August, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez introduced the bill with the support of the entire Washington House Delegation. The Bucoda Town Council passed a motion backing the effort, and the Thurston County Board of Commissioners wrote a letter in support of the legislation.

Rob Gordon served as Bucoda’s Mayor and Assistant Fire Chief, was a lifelong resident of Southwest Washington, and operated a family haul truck business and ranch. He passed away in June 2024 and is survived by his wife, Miriam, and their two children, Jakob and Anna.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s remarks on the House Floor in support of the bill are available here.

“Rob served the town of Bucoda selflessly and proudly for many years as a firefighter, Assistant Fire Chief, Councilman, and then Mayor. He went above and beyond in all he did to make the town a better place for all of its residents. He wanted to make sure it would once again be a place where children, especially his own Jakob and Anna, could ride bikes and play without worry. He loved this small town and gave so much of himself and time to it,” said Miriam Gordon. “I don’t think anyone would disagree with me in saying Rob became the backbone of this town in the short time he was given. He would never expect anything like this and being the humble man he was, he would shy away from it. However, I know if he was here now he would be extremely honored to have the town’s post office named after him. Jakob, Anna, myself and Rob’s family are very thankful for what everyone has done to honor and remember Rob, especially this. Thank you.”

“Mayor Gordon was the epitome of a servant leader, with an incredible work ethic and impact on our community that cannot be understated. He represents the best of Southwest Washington – serving as a firefighter since the age of 16, maintaining his haul trucks himself, and passing on important skills and values to his children,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Rob was tough, fair minded, and always gave people the opportunity to be the best version of themselves. His passing is a true loss for our community, but his life of service and dedication will remain forever. I’m grateful to have had the chance to know and work alongside him. By renaming Bucoda’s Post Office – and by defining our values and our heroes for ourselves – we can help preserve Rob’s legacy and remind our children what matters in life. I’m grateful to my bipartisan colleagues for their support in getting this legislation through the House and Senate, and I look forward to seeing this become a reality.”

“It is with great honor and deep gratitude that I support the renaming of the Bucoda Post Office in memory of Mayor and Assistant Fire Chief Rob Gordon. Rob was not only a dedicated public servant who selflessly gave his time as both a leader and a firefighter, but he was also a personal friend who stood beside me during some of the most challenging moments of our lives – through cancer treatment and in the trenches of our shared work,” said Thurston County Commissioner Wayne Fournier. “Renaming the post office is a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy of service, compassion, and bravery will continue to inspire all who knew him. May this honor serve as a reminder of his unwavering commitment to his community and the lives he touched.”

“The Town of Bucoda is proud to honor a wonderful husband, father, and community servant. Rob Gordon’s service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said Bucoda Mayor Callie Carpenter. “Thank you to Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez for her continued support to the Town of Bucoda and Rob Gordon’s family.”

“As a lifelong volunteer firefighter for the Town of Bucoda, Mayor Gordon served his community and protected the safety of his fellow Bucoda residents. As a town councilmember and then as mayor, he was a strong advocate for his community and fought hard to ensure that the town of 587 people was not forgotten about. As mayor he worked to replace asbestos water pipes to improve the safety of the drinking water, he advocated for tourism opportunity and was a strong supporter of the annual “Boo-coda” event which brought thousands to the town, and he was a fighter for public safety,” wrote the Thurston County Board of Commissioners. “If there is anyone who is worthy of this recognition it is Mayor Gordon. … We cannot wait to see this become a law and Mayor Gordon receive this long-lasting recognition.”