Columbus native and self-proclaimed “girl dad” Keith Gordon got a First Impression rose and a kiss on the lips from Joan Vassos on the opening night of “The Golden Bachelorette” on ABC-TV Wednesday evening.
So all is love-ly for the 1980 Columbus North High School graduate, one of the 24 original suitors on the show. Vassos has sent six suitors home so far.
A rose meant he was safe from elimination in the first round.
The 62-year-old Gordon currently lives in San Jose, California, where he is a sales director. He played cornhole with her on the show — he claimed to be a cornhole king in his show bio — and originally pulled up in a beater station wagon to greet her. She later said that the vehicle ushered in sweet memories of her childhood.
Gordon’s parents, Max and Mary Jane Gordon, live in Columbus.
Show officials, of course, prohibit show participants or their family from speaking with the media while the show is on its current run.
For those just getting caught up on the local link to the show, ABC-TV’s publicity info on their son Keith includes the following, which was included in The Republic’s original story:
“The … father of three is loving, smart and creative. Keith is not only 6-foot-5 but also a social butterfly with a big personality to match! He has dedicated most of his adult life to being a single dad and raising his daughters, but the soon-to-be empty-nester is ready to put himself first and prioritize finding love.
“When Keith falls for someone, he falls hard and fast and is hoping Joan could be the one for him. Keith believes age is just a number and says, ‘Younger people shouldn’t be scared of growing older. Getting older ROCKS!’
“Keith’s guilty pleasure is Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, and he says he can never have just one scoop.”
Also, the biography notes include this tidbit on the former Columbus North High School golfer: “His life goal is to play a round of golf at Augusta National.”
