Gwen Quinn, Shenandoah resident since 1979, has many memories of her dad, Gordon Fitch. A veteran, salesman and owner of the legendary Speedy Pak convenience store, Fitch did business with many Shenandoah residents, selling barbecue, beer and groceries. He ran the store (on the northeast corner of I-45 and Research Forest) from 1971 until 1985, when he was forced to close because the freeway was widened. It became a popular spot for workers building new communities in the surrounding area, as well as young professionals moving into those homes.
Quinn says her father didn’t have much growing up and joined the army when he was 16 and served two years. “He was a great salesman and loved people. He was generous, he cashed checks for customers, fed hungry children and made loans for his customers. He allowed anyone running for office to hang their sign on the store. He definitely wanted all parties to get along, but of course, things weren’t so divisive back then.”
