Traverse City Record-Eagle

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September 18, 2012

Missing Antrim man has medical challenges

BELLAIRE — Authorities hope a missing Antrim County man is found before medical concerns take their toll.

Winston Gordon, 84, left his Bellaire home the morning of Sept. 13. It’s believed he was going to drive elsewhere to take a walk, a favorite pastime. He later was seen at a gas station in Traverse City, the last known sighting of him.

Gordon is diabetic and has a pacemaker, and he left with a limited supply of oxygen in a tank. Those and other medical issues could present problems if unattended, Antrim County Undersheriff Dean Pratt said.

“He does have some medical issues, and that’s what we’re concerned about,” Pratt said. “I’m concerned he’s driven to a secluded area, and that he’s going to be in (medical trouble) pretty soon.”

Authorities ask residents in the region to check dirt roads, parking lots and other spots near their homes for Gordon’s blue 1996 Oldsmobile Ciera, license plate BYP 3957.

“We are asking people to check the secluded areas around their homes ... if they do see the vehicle parked, please look for him,” Pratt said.

Gordon was seen at about 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Mutual Service Station at South Airport and Garfield roads in Garfield Township. Gordon spoke with a man there and asked for directions back to M-72 East toward Kalkaska. He told the man he went for a drive and lost his way.

He was given directions to head north on Garfield Road and turn east on M-72.

Gordon disappeared on another occasion, Pratt said. He went for a drive, his vehicle became stuck, and it took a while for him to be located.

“He’s from a generation that doesn’t carry a cellphone,” Pratt said.

Information about Gordon and his vehicle were entered into the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN), a statewide system used by police and other authorities. If he or his vehicle is spotted, officers will know to contact Antrim officials.

Deputies also checked with all of the state’s major hospitals, with no luck.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Antrim County Sheriff’s Department at (231) 533-8627.

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