Gordon Jensen

Gordon Rex Jensen 1935-2011

On the morning of May 28, 2011, Gordon Rex Jensen passed away peacefully at his home with loving family at his side. He battled stage IV pancreatic cancer bravely and with dignity for almost a year. His passing capped a marvelous sojourn through life filled with love for family, service to others, hard work and loyalty. Gordon was born January 12, 1935 in Aurora, Utah, the son of Wilford Rex Jensen and Verla Madsen. Raised on a small farm, he learned to work hard. Summers would find him logging in the mountains, farming and feeding turkeys. He attended North Sevier High School in Salina where he was an outstanding student chosen as valedictorian and voted Best Athlete. Having scholarship offers, Gordon chose the University of Utah where he played on the basketball and baseball teams. He attended the University from 1953-1956, graduating with a degree in journalism. He went on to play professional baseball for a time in the Boston Red Sox organization. Air Force ROTC in college led to a three year commitment to the Air Force where he learned to fly airplanes attending flight school in Marana, Arizona and Bainbridge, Georgia. Later as a Public Relations and Information Officer while stationed at Andrews Air Force Base he welcomed the first Russian President to ever visit the United States, Nikita Kruschev. After the Air Force he began his business career by working for Modernfold Industries where he was employed for 12 years. As Executive Vice President he traveled through North America and Canada, meeting wonderful people and honing his executive and leadership skills. Gordon wanted to own his own business, preferably in Utah and marry a Mormon girl. He returned to Utah and bought a small manufacturing and distribution company, Holland Equipment Co. which he owned and grew for 32 years until his recent retirement. He also found the Mormon girl! He married his best friend and sweetheart, Mary Allred. He commented often that it was the best decision he ever made. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on January 12, 1979. Gordon had a strong and undeviating testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He served faithfully in various callings, including bishop, bishops counselor, high counselor, and teacher of young men. He also served on the Bountiful Temple Committee. In his later years he exalted in the joy of teaching a Primary class. The blessing of the gospel in his life was tantamount as he embraced the principles of obedience and eternal families. He touched many lives in quiet subtle ways. Gordon had a zest for life. He loved people and always saw the best in them. He believed that with patience and planning, things would usually turn out for the best and they usually did. What mattered to Gordon most was being with his family. He was so proud of his sons and they loved spending time together. A favorite spot was Fish Lake, including hunting and fishing or enjoying endless summers at Lake Powell. He also loved all sports, whether playing himself or coaching little league baseball and basketball teams. The family logged many fun-filled hours supporting boys in their endless sporting endeavors. Though Gordon was a proud Ute alum and supporter, he made peace with BYU in his later years. Retirement years found Gordon and Mary serving a mission in Welfare Services as Missionary Coordinators, spoiling their grandchildren (at last a girl in the Jensen clan), golfing often with family and treasured friends, working on genealogy (he was so proud of his handcart heritage), and traveling throughout the world. A special experience was the bucket list dream of taking an extended road trip throughout the United States. Of Gordons many accomplishments, the one his family is most grateful for is the continuing legacy of being sealed together as a family for all eternity. His wife, children and grandchildren look forward to this rich association which will continue beyond the grave. It is said that he has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has the respect of intelligent men, and the love of little children, who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earths beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others, and given the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Huntsman Cancer Institute, and the gentle hands of those at Rocky Mountain Hospice, particularly David B. who always gave so much. Gordon is preceded in death by his father, mother, and his brother, Raylan. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his three sons, Justin (Lisa), Jordan (Jennifer), and Cameron; and four precious grandchildren. A great blessing in Gordons life was the recent conversion and baptism of his only nephew, Joseph Jensen, Joes wife, Tracy, and their four children. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Foxhill Ward, 200 South Eagle Ridge Drive, North Salt Lake. A viewing will be held Friday, 6:00-8:00 pm at the Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, and again at the church from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm prior to services. Interment – Lakeview Memorial Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com.