Father Gordon (Gerald) Tavis, OSB (1925–2025), born in Bismarck, North Dakota, grew up in a musical family in Mandan, where he learned violin and later trumpet. After serving in the US Naval Aviation during World War II, he studied chemistry at NDSU, worked in his family’s grocery store, and played in swing bands. Drawn to religious life, he entered Saint John’s University in 1950, joined the Benedictine community in 1952, professed vows in 1953, and was ordained a priest in 1958.
Following ordination, Father Gordon taught theology and psychology and directed the Saint John’s Institute for Mental Health. He soon became a key administrator for both Saint John’s Abbey and University, serving in roles that ranged from financial aid director and physical plant manager to director of planning. After earning a management degree from MIT’s Sloan School, he held senior leadership positions including Vice President for Administrative Services, Prior of Saint John’s Abbey, Treasurer of the Order of Saint Benedict, and financial officer for the American Cassinese Congregation. His later career included guiding Saint John’s Preparatory School as its president, where he was honored for his wisdom, integrity, and mentorship.
In retirement, Father Gordon continued to serve the abbey with energy and insight, contributing significantly to major institutional projects—including restructuring the university’s corporate governance and modeling demographic trends for monastic communities. Remembered as gentle, thoughtful, and unfailingly dedicated, he combined administrative skill with pastoral warmth. A gifted musician who delighted the community with violin performances, he remained above all an exemplary monk, devoted to the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, and communal life.