Obituaries Obituaries are updated regularly and archived on JN Online: www.detroitjewishnews.corn Promoting The Best nization's executive director. "He and Larry Sherman were pivotal in setting up Staff Writer our Birmingham Lunch and Learn," Rabbi Tolwin said. "He was excited about what we were trying to do, he roster of clients handled by Schurgin especially for young couples and singles in the city." Associates, a Detroit-based advertising Despite his age, the young people who participat- and promotions agency, included every- ed in Aish activities gravitated toward Mr. Schurgin, one from England's Rolling Stones to Rabbi Tolwin said. Detroit's London Chophouse. "He was such an intelligent guy, he had And founder Arthur Schurgin, who such a love for people, that he became died Aug. 31, 2003, at age 83, relished friends with everyone." every moment. Born in Detroit, Mr. Schurgin graduat- "He was always full of energy," said ed from Central High School and earned his son, William Schurgin, of Chicago. both bachelor's and law degrees from "He was a great dad, and when I got Wayne State University. After serving in older, he was a great friend." the Army Air Corps during World War Beginning with jazz greats Buddy II, he began his career in advertising, but Rich and Louis Armstrong, and ending the lure of show business soon took with the Monkees, Mr. Schurgin spent precedence over writing advertising copy. more than 20 years bringing the big Locally, he was perhaps best known as names in entertainment to the Midwest Arthur Sch urgin the man who, on Sept. 6, 1964, brought — and beyond. In 1956, he booked the the Beatles to Detroit. Harlem Globetrotters in Adelaide, "He started the artists exchange program with Australia, and, in 1958, he arranged Ella Fitzgerald's England in 1955 with Louis Armstrong," Rabbi first tour of England. Tolwin said. "So, when the Beatles were ready to A civic and community leader, Mr. Schurgin was tour the United States, they came to him." also a leading mentor of Birmingham-based Aish Among other artists whose concerts he promoted HaTorah, the center that connects young adults were Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. with their Jewish heritage through education and Whether or not his father actually liked listening to experiences. rock 'n' roll was irrelevant, William Schurgin said. He learned about Aish on Detroit Jewry's first "What was important was that he loved rock 'n' Miracle Mission to Israel in 1993, where he formed roll people," he said. "Dad was the kind of guy who a close friendship with Rabbi Alon Tolwin, the orga- DIANA LIEBERMAN T DIANA LIEBERMAN Staff Writer T o the generation of children who grew up in Oakland County during the 1970s, the friendly_bearded man behind the counter of Birmingham's Little Professor bookstore was the very same little profes- sor for whom the store had been named. But his friends, who included everyone from author Elmore Leonard to U.S. Sen: Carl Levin, knew him as. Eugene Gordon, a history buff with an uncanny memory for the authors and titles on the shelves of his Woodward Avenue shop._ Mr. Gordon, 69, died of a heart attack Aug. 28, 2003, at his Birmingham home. 'As far back as I can remember, my brother was a voracious reader," said David Gordon. "Our dining room table had a felt-topped pad on it, and, between him and our father, it was always piled with books, three and four deep." Born in Detroit, Mr. Gordon attended MacCulloch Elementary, Durfee Junior High and Central High School, accumulating lifelong friends liked many people, and it's amazing how many dif- ferent kinds of people liked him." In the late 1960s, Arthur Schurgin re-invented himself, giving up the advertising and promotions game for the relatively staid life of a business owner. Along with his sister, he began the Horn of Plenty, a gift and novelty store, on Seven Mile Road in Detroit. When the business moved to S. Woodward in Birmingham, Schurgin joined the city's Chamber of Commerce. Before long, he was the organization's president. During his years as a business owner, Mr. Schurgin would rather talk about his children and grandchildren than the famous entertainers he'd known, Rabbi Tolwin said. "But this quiet little man who sold Wedgwood really knew how to kick up a storm," Rabbi Tolwin said. "He made a serious impact on civil rights — he absolutely refused to let his clients perform in a segregated theater. A few times, he actually walked away from a contract." Mr. Schurgin is survived by his sons and daugh- ter-in-law, William and Pamela Schurgin of Illinois, Robert Schurgin of California; grandchildren Elizabeth and Mark Schurgin; sister, Florence Share of Bloomfield Hills; and sister-in-law Thelma Schurgin. He was the brother of the late David Schurgin and brother-in-law of the late Leslie Share. Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. ❑ Bill Clinton, said David Gordon, and, during his final at, every stop along the way. He went on to the illness, Sen. Levin and his wife, Barbara, were able to University of Michigan, where, according to his bring this dream to reality. One of Mr. Gordon's proud- brother, his year on the football team gave,root to a est possessions was a photo taken with the president at fanatical loyalty to the Wolverines. Later, he earned the Bingham Farms home of Doreen Hermelin. a master's degree in history from Wayne State "Gene's intelligence, total recall and University. sense of humanity will last long beyond After selling the store, Mr. Gordon his years," his brother said. became a stockbroker. Eugene J. Gordon is survived by his Mr. Gordon's friendship with Elmore mother, Rose Gordon; daughter, Leonard began when the then up-and- Katherine Navin of Birmingham; broth- coming Birmingham mystery writer ers and sisters-in-law, David and Janice stopped in to the Little Professor with Gordon, Gerald and Collette Gordon; several copies of his book and asked for a nieces Abbe Macdonald, Sarah and little shelf space. After a lengthy conver- Robert Fraus, Natalie Gordon, Sandra sation, Mr. Gordon said he would do Gordon; and longtime friend, Cal Navin. better than that — and he cleared every- Mr. Gordon was the loving son of the thing else off his front window for late Abe Gordon. Leonard's books. Eugene Go rdon Interment was at Hebrew Memorial In recent years, Mr. Gordon was Park. Contributions may be made to increasingly ill with diabetes, his brother the American Diabetes Association, 30600 said, but it did not stop him from worrying and inquiring after his relatives and friends. And they all Telegraph, Suite 2255, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, or to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements by reciprocated. Hebrew Memorial Chapel. ❑ Mr. Gordon had always wanted to meet President