A Celebration of Life for Gordon Tribble
Sunday, August 24th
Open Space for Arts & Community
2-6pm
Obit/Beachcomber
"A Life Lived in Technicolor"
May 13, 1967 – July 26, 2025
Gordon left this world far too soon, but not before painting it with dazzling strokes of creativity, love, loyalty and fierce advocacy that will shimmer in our hearts forever.
Stuart Gordon Tribble, 58, passed away peacefully at his beloved family home on Vashon Island, Washington, surrounded by the love that defined his extraordinary life. Born at Perrin AFB Hospital in Denison, Texas, Gordon was destined to bring beauty and artistry wherever life took him—from the hills of East Texas to national tours of Broadway productions, from the sets of Hollywood to the cherished shores of Vashon Island.
A Master of His Craft
Gordon’s career was nothing short of spectacular. As an accomplished hair designer, make-up artist, and costumer for film, television, and live theater, he was a true artist who understood that magic happens in the details. His artistry graced countless productions, from stage hits like “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” and “The Lion King,” to major films including Marvel’s “The Avengers” and “Cowboys & Aliens”, television favorites like “Breaking Bad”, “Longmire“ and “Palm Royale” and too many more to count. In 2020, Gordon was Oscar shortlisted for his incredible work on “Sound of Metal”, a film that garnered six Academy Award nominations.
With three new feature films set for release, including Netflix’s “Night Always Comes”, A24’s “The Drama” with Robert Pattinson and the A24 Anthony Bourdain biopic “Tony”, Gordon’s legacy in film continues to unfold. His styling work on “Tony” showcased his passion for 1970s period design—an era he particularly loved bringing to life.
Gordon was a proud member of industry unions including IATSE Local 887 in Seattle, Local 488 in Portland, Oregon, and Local 480 in New Mexico.
A Legacy of Beauty and Compassion
Whether he was crafting the perfect look for Riz Ahmed, styling Laura Linney’s hair, getting “last looks” on Zendaya or ensuring every costume detail was perfect for Alexander Hamilton, Gordon’s excellence was matched only by his kindness. He had the rare gift of making everyone—from A-list stars to backstage crew—feel valued and seen.
His talents weren’t limited to stages and sets—Gordon created incredible floral designs, window displays, and spectacular events including dining and retail experiences. From weddings to holidays, birthdays to fundraisers, even last-minute get-togethers, he created magic wherever beauty was needed. Vashon residents will remember his extraordinary floral displays at The Hardware Store and the tree that graced the center of Giraffe. In the last few years, he was relentlessly dedicated to making O Sole Mio on Vashon a space of community, connection and fun.
A Heart for Justice
Gordon was a fierce advocate who stood as a beacon of kindness, consideration, and loyalty, fighting for social justice at every turn.
On Vashon, Gordon’s support was full throttle, championing local organizations including the DOVE Project, Vashon Youth & Family Services, Vashon Community Food Bank, and the Vashon Center for the Arts. In this work, Gordon understood that true advocacy happens both on the grand stage and in everyday acts of compassion.
A passionate political activist, Gordon spent the final months of his life actively protesting, marching, and speaking out against attacks on democracy in the United States. His commitment to justice was unwavering, whether he was fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, supporting his local community, or defending the democratic values he held dear.
Many Families, Boundless Love
Gordon loved his given family, and he created chosen families everywhere he went. There are families for every location and aspect of his life—Vashon, Capitol Hill, New Mexico, LGBTQ+, childhood friends who remained close throughout his life, and his beautiful film family. His most critical family role was that of devoted son to Stu and Cat Tribble, with whom he made his cherished home on Vashon Island.
Gordon was also an extra parent and beloved friend to many of his friends’ children, especially Isaac, Will, Gus, Vivian, Nevaeh and many more who knew him as a constant source of love and support. With 44,000 photos on his phone—yes, a lot of selfies, but mostly pictures of his beloved friends and family—Gordon documented every precious moment with the people who mattered most to him. Many, many of his friends have cherished videos from Gordon that ended with “I love you” and an on-camera smooch, enduring reminders of his love. Each photo and video was a testament to his belief that love should be captured, celebrated, and shared.
A Life of Learning and Teaching
Gordon attended elementary school in Texas and the Delphian school in Sheridan, Oregon; middle school in Murphy, Oregon, and high school in Ridgecrest, California. In his adult life, Gordon gathered friends and wisdom rather than formal degrees.
He was a walking encyclopedia of vintage fashion, and had a collection to match. He was a lifelong learner who absorbed wisdom from mentors like Christine Moore (his “second mom”), Kirsten Larvick, Pam Farrow and countless others who shared their knowledge. In turn, Gordon became a mentor himself, always ready to teach, support and uplift others in the industry.
The Show Must Go On
An Extravaganza to Celebrate Gordon Tribble will be held on August 24, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Open Space on Vashon Island. In the spirit of his vibrant life, all who knew and loved him are invited to join for laughs, perhaps some glitter, and a wealth of cherished memories.
While Gordon truly loved flowers, he loved supporting charitable causes that fight for what’s right even more—he believed there was always something stylish in giving back. Donations to The Trevor Project, DOVE Project, Vashon Youth and Family Services, Vashon Food Bank and the Vashon Center for the Arts are encouraged.
Gordon was preceded in death by his grandparents Sterling Hansel and Cue Stuart Tribble, and Ronald Alexander and Isabel Black McGee. He is survived by his loving parents, Stuart Goodrum and Edith Catholine (McGee) Tribble, an infinite number of friends, and the countless lives he touched with his artistry, advocacy, and boundless love.
Forever Fabulous, Forever Beloved
Gordon, you were a bright star in the galaxy of so many lives. Your legacy lives on in every heart you opened to the possibility of a more beautiful, just world. The curtain may have fallen, but our standing ovation will go on and on.
“There is always something stylish in giving back.”— Gordon Tribble
Please call Herban Bloom to help us fill the day with flowers and/or donate to one of the following organizations that Gordon Loved deeply:
Trevor Project, DOVE, Vashon Youth & Family Services.
Donations: Linktr.ee/gordontribble