Gordon Manning Kirkham

Gordon Manning Kirkham, dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, 79, ended his life journey on 12/14/23 at home with his loved ones, after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Tamara Kirkham, Krista (David) Utrilla, Kathie Barnett, Robert (Jami) Kirkham, Kara Chapman (Danny Erickson), Randy (Lauren) Kirkham, Ryan (Monica) Kirkham and his 14 grandchildren.

Gordon was brought in this world on May 25, 1944, in Brigham City, Utah, as the eldest of 4 children to Robert and Beth Kirkham. Gordon attended and graduated from Bountiful High School in 1962. Gordon served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern Atlantic States mission covering in the Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania area. He then served in the US Army Reserve for 2 years right after his mission.  Gordon then went to the University of Utah graduating in 1969 in Business and received his MBA at Utah State University where he met his sweetheart Tamara Call. Gordon's professional career was with the USPS as the airline and trucking contracting officer for 30 years and 9 months. After retiring from USPS, Gordon worked an additional 15 years at US Translation Company. Gordon always has such a positive effect on the people he was around or met. His integrity was unquestionable and faithfulness to every commitment was exacting which reflected throughout his life.

Gordon married his best friend and love of his life, Tamara Call on November 2, 1971, in the Salt Lake Temple. He always made sure his sweetheart was taken care of always. His patience and Christ like love for her radiated throughout their family. They had 6 children that were his world. He introduced them all to his love of music and helped them all in their musical endeavors. Gordon always made sure he was at his kid’s concerts, sporting events, and extracurricular activities. When not attending these activities, Gordon loved to share his passions with his children by attending Utah football games, basketball games and gymnastics. Once grandchildren came into his life, he said it was the best thing about having children. Gordon loved spending his time with grandkids coming to visit or going to see them at any activity they were a part of.

Away from his career endeavors, Gordon loved golfing and skiing or just getting outside to enjoy the world. Gordon had a passion for cycling, he shared this love for the roads with anyone who would hop on a bike and hit the pavement with him. If he wasn't doing one of these activities, he loved to be out and socializing with people out in public and made so many friends wherever he would go.

The last few years of his life, Gordon battled immense pain involving his cancer as well as other physical ailments. We admire the grace, strength, and courage how he handled these health battles. The family would like to thank the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Dr. Tyler Williams, Dr. Tward, Andy Harmon, Trisha Grant, Tanner Clinics Dr. Williams, Dr. Foot and her staff, and Amanda and staff at Performance West.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the Chase Lane Ward, 1125 North 400 West, Centerville, Utah 84014.  A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, and Saturday afternoon from 11:45-12:45 p.m. at the church prior to services.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.

Gordon's life was a journey of faithfulness, integrity and commitment to his savior, family, and friends. He left a great impact with anyone involved in his life and he will be greatly missed. His spirit and legacy will continue to inspire anyone who had the opportunity of knowing him.