Supporting Veterans, One Home and Heart at a Time: How One Visit Turned Into a Life-Changing Journey

What started as a simple gesture of kindness grew into a powerful story of connection, compassion, and community. For Gordon Leatherbarrow, a real estate professional in the Valley, responding to a stranger’s request became the beginning of a deeply meaningful journey.

It began when Gordon saw a post from the wife of a Marine veteran living in a memory care facility. She was asking if any fellow Marines might visit her husband, who was struggling with isolation. Gordon, a Marine himself, was moved by the request and reached out. “It wasn’t far from my office,” he said. “I just thought I could stop by and visit.”

And that’s exactly what he did. again and again.

What began as short conversations within the facility turned into weekly visits, sometimes more. Slowly, trust was built. Over time, Gordon was granted permission to take the veteran out for lunch. It was a major milestone, since the veteran had been confined indoors for more than six months. Their outings became a routine, filled with rides, meals, and meaningful stories. For the veteran, who had dementia, it was a taste of freedom and dignity. For Gordon, it became a friendship unlike any he had known.

Eventually, the veteran expressed a wish to return to his hometown of Tyler, Texas, to be closer to his family. This was when Gordon’s professional expertise and personal compassion came together.

The veteran and his wife asked Gordon to help sell their Arizona home. It was a challenging task but a rewarding one. The home needed major repairs, including a seventy-thousand-dollar roof replacement. There were battles with insurance, inspections, and logistics. But Gordon took care of it all, making sure the family received a fair deal and that the home was sold with dignity.

When it came time to move, Gordon arranged for movers and helped pack the house. Later, when the family was ready to bring the veteran home to Texas, they asked Gordon to fly with him. They didn’t want to rely on a caregiver. They wanted someone they trusted.

“They didn’t want just anyone traveling with him,” Gordon recalled. “They trusted me to make sure he was okay.”

After landing in Dallas, Gordon drove him to Tyler, stopping for a snack at Buc-ee’s along the way. It was a moment the veteran still laughs about. He had never tried a beaver nugget before. “He didn’t want any of the beaver nuggets at first,” Gordon smiled. “Then he ended up eating like 25 of them.”

For Gordon, the relationship became personal in ways he hadn’t expected. “He’s like a grandfather to me,” he said. “I’ve never had one, and this was the first time I experienced that kind of bond.”

The veteran, a former Marine helicopter pilot in Vietnam, flew more than 80 combat missions and built a successful life that included owning a dozen Taco Bell restaurants. His story, like many, was full of courage and accomplishment. Now, he faces the vulnerability that comes with aging.

Even after the move, Gordon remains in touch with the family. He is scheduled to meet the veteran’s wife for coffee next week. She plans to introduce him to her nephew, who is considering a career in real estate.

This is not just a story about selling a home. It is a story about showing up, building trust, and being present, even when there is nothing to gain.

As Gordon puts it, “I never intended to do business. I just showed up because someone asked for help. Everything else came from that.”

For questions or more information, please contact:

Gordon Leatherbarrow, Owner

David Ravashiere, Owner/Broker, 6 Real estate

Email: contact@6-RealEstate.com

Phone: 480-993-6925

Thank you for being part of this lifesaving effort. Together, we can help kids like Jayse keep their capes on.

About 6 Real Estate:

6 Real Estate is a veteran-owned real estate company serving the Chandler community, dedicated to creating lasting impact through service, leadership, and community support.