Gordon Albert Sonné passed away peacefully on the morning of March 8, 2025, with his family at his bedside. He fought a courageous battle against Angiosarcoma. He was 80 years old.
Gordon was born on January 3, 1945, in Davenport, Iowa, to Bernice Lillian Brown and Albert Peter Sonné. He was the middle of three boys and was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother, Mike Lage. In 1954, his family moved to Bakersfield, California, where he later graduated from Wasco High School. The family then relocated to Gilroy, California, and Gordon went on to earn an associate’s degree in administration of justice from Hartnell College in 1976.
Gordon had a lifelong passion for law enforcement and public service. He began his career as a reserve officer with the Gilroy Police Department in 1968 before joining the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department in 1971. He served in various roles, including patrol and county jail operations, before becoming a robbery/homicide detective from 1978 to 1997. From 1997 to 1999, he worked as a narcotics detective before being elected Monterey County Sheriff in 1999. He served one term before retiring in 2003. Gordon was incredibly well-respected and loved within the sheriff’s department, known for his dedication and integrity.
In addition to his service in law enforcement, Gordon was a proud Vietnam War Veteran, serving two tours from 1966 to 1968. He was a true patriot and in his last days, it gave him great pleasure to see President Trump take office again.
In 1972, he married Dalia Sonné and together they raised their son, Jason Sonné, in Prunedale, California until their divorce in 1990. Gordon was also a devoted stepfather to Rick and Rod Tomlinson.
Gordon later moved together with Jason and daughter in law Wendy and his granddaughters Lauren and Ava to Star, Idaho in 2013. Gordon shared an unbreakable bond with his son Jason. They lived on the same property where Jason was his father’s caregiver for the last year and a half, taking him to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, the Boise VA and St. Lukes Cancer Center, always advocating for his father’s care. Jason, Wendy, Lauren and Ava remained by his side in his final two days as did Dalia.
Gordon had a deep love for classic cars, particularly his bright orange 1940 Ford Coupe, which he proudly restored. He won dozens and dozens of classic car shows with that car. He also loved motorcycles, both dirt and street bikes, and spent many summers riding the trails at Trout Creek near Mt. Shasta with Jason. He was a simple man who found joy in the little things-he enjoyed Sunday mornings watching How It’s Made, loved going to breakfast, to the movies and never passed up a good burger and chocolate milkshake or a slice of lemon meringue pie. He also loved listening to the oldies.
He loved Wendy like a daughter. She stayed by his bedside for two nights before he passed, sleeping right next to him and ensuring he was comfortable. He cherished and loved his granddaughters, Lauren and Ava, more than anything and took great pride in being a hands-on grandfather. He lit up whenever he saw them. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them-taking them swimming, to the park, and on bike rides when they were younger. When Lauren was born, he insisted on caring for her one day a week so she would not have to go to daycare, and for three years, he never missed a Wednesday. His love and influence shaped Ava’s passion for horses, as he once surprised everyone by bringing a horse home, sparking a lifelong love for riding since she was seven.
Gordon was also deeply devoted to his parents and often spoke about how much he missed them. Later in life, he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Marcia Albert, and their relationship brought him great joy.
In addition to his immediate family, Gordon had a special place in his heart for Wendy’s daughters Megan and Marissa and was proud to be a step-grandfather to them as well.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Lisa Deas for the companionship she provided to Gordon in his later years.
He is survived by his son Jason Sonné (Wendy), granddaughters Lauren and Ava of Star; step-grandchildren Marissa and Megan of Calif; Stepson Rick Tomlinson (Tami) and their children, Ryan, Mia and Kristi all of Sacramento. Stepson Rod Olivares-Tomlinson of Calif; his youngest brother Peter Sonné and nephew Michael Sonné, all of Nevada; and many close friends and colleagues who will forever remember his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love of his family.
Gordon’s absence leaves a profound void on the lives of those who loved him. His strength, love and legacy will never be forgotten.
A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held on May 27, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery-Boise (10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd. Boise 83714). Following the service, friends and family are invited to Sonne’s home to share memories and a hamburger in Gordon’s honor.