Donald M. Gordon
May 21, 1929 — April 11, 2011
MONTROSE — Donald Gordon died at Montrose Memorial Hospital on April 11, 2011. The son of Andrew and Lela (McKain) Gordon, Don was born May 21, 1929, on a ranch in Cascade County, Mont. He grew up in Columbia Falls, Mont. and graduated high school in 1947. After graduation, he moved to Denver, Colo. to attend school and there he met the love of his life, Ruthellen (Green) Gordon. They married Aug. 3, 1948, in Denver, Colo. They moved to Montrose, Colo. in 1950 and raised two beautiful daughters, Nancy (Richard) Jakino and Jeanne (Jim) Bridges. Donald was preceded in death by his father; mother; stepfather, Gil Spear; half-brother, Robert Gordon; and great-granddaughter, Lily Rose Day.
He is survived by his wife, Ruthie; sister, Betty Switzer of Richie, Mont.; six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren: Jeff (Liz) Cooper, Ashley, Jamie, Dietrich of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Candi (Tony) Amaya – Kahmal, Tyra, Chuy of Montrose, Colo.; Laurie (James) Scott – Jared, Jack of Bellevue, Wash.; Jackie (Dusty) Day – Madelyn, Dexter, Delilah of Montrose, Colo.; Tony (Deanna) Jakino – Katie and baby on the way of Durango, Colo.; Angie O’Neill – MaKenna, Brookelinn of Montrose, Colo.
Don built a family cabin in Bearclaw at the Big Cimarron with the help from his sons-in-law and friends. He enjoyed spending time there hunting, guiding, fishing, snowmobiling and four-wheeling. His daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends have many fond memories of spending time with him there. Don worked at Hartman Brothers for over 50 years. He considered Tom and Coky Hartman, their children and Richard Abrehamson part of his extended family. He was a lifelong member of the Montrose Elk’s Lodge No. 1053. Don was always available to help his friends and family. He did everything from towing and fixing cars, to building fences, to installing floors, to building shelves and other construction projects. In his spare time, he rescued his grandchildren from snow banks and ditches, cooked his famous cabin pancakes and skunked us at cribbage. We could always count on his advise, wisdom and love.
There will be a memorial in celebration of Don’s life this summer at the Big Cimarron, in the mountains he loved so much. He will be greatly missed!! Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
