Gordon P. Simmons

Born May 24, 1930 inClinton,WAGordon grew up dreaming of being a truck driver. At the young age of 12 Gordon started working on cars and changed the crank shaft in a 1931 Chevy all by himself. From then on the rest was history…

Gordon was drafted into the Army in 1951 and after completing basic training in Maryland Gordon went on to serve 18 months inKoreaearning the rank of Sgt in just 3 months.

Upon returning stateside Gordon chose to return toClintonand has resided there ever since. Married to his wife Shirley for 56 years Gordon has two daughters Sonya and Sharon and two grandchildren. As his love for tinkering on vehicles grew Gordon decided to work at Simmons Garage inClintonand has owned the business since 1977 along with his wife Shirley.

Gordon has been involved in the Towing industry as a service provider for over 60 years and during that time earned a reputation as a quiet, friendly hero. Rescuing people stranded by the side of the road, mentoring fellow peers in the industry, or providing professional courtesy to another tow company in need of help. His actions have served to unite the tow in industry in WA and elevate the reputation of towing providers as a whole to the motoring public.

Gordon has been a long time supporter of the Washington Towing Association and a strong supporter of his local community volunteering in the local fire department for over 45 years and retiring with the rank of LT. During his years of service Gordon held the highest percentage of responses to incidents within the department. Gordon has been recognized throughout his career with many awards and accolades which include a 50 year service award from AAA Washington and has serviced many law enforcement agencies including the WA State Patrol, Island Co Sherriff, City ofLangley Policeand thousands of other customers.

In a recent newspaper article titled “Home Town Hero” and being questioned on why he continues to service stranded motorists Gordon responded “We can make a difference in someone’s day either for good or negative, even in a short interaction. Whether a person is a cashier or a telephone operator, it’s all an occasion to give the gift of genuine service.”

Among Gordon’s many service accomplishments, he remembers most the day he responded to two sinking horses in a ravine filled with silt. Swinging into quick action with his tow truck and recovery straps Gordon saved both horses from suffocation without injuring either one. What Gordon didn’t know was that both mares were pregnant and he had actually saved 4 horses that day!