Gordon, who had been coaching Glasgow Accies, launched his career at Glasgow Academy and joined Accies, before a move to Stirling County, Glasgow Hawks and Lyon. When Glasgow became a professional outfit Gordon made 17 appearances for the team.
Former Glasgow skipper Gordon Bulloch said: "Gordon's career spanned the transition between amateur and professional rugby and I don't think his talents were fully rewarded.
"I can't recall hearing anybody saying anything negative about him and I was totally shattered when I heard the terrible news.
"My heart goes out to his wife and their two young children."
Kenny Logan added: "I played alongside 'Scnozz' both for Stirling County and Glasgow and he was a real fun guy.
"There aren't that many larger than life individuals in rugby in the professional era. He was one of them however."