Gordon Purrington

Our knight in shining armor, Gordon Sellers Purrington, passed through the veil early Friday morning, April 27, 2012. The son of Stanley A. and Alene S. Purrington, he was born September 29, 1933, in Ogden, Utah. Gordon was an elegant, kind and loving human being.
He and his wife, Joy Allen, were married in the Salt Lake Temple, Dec. 18, 1958. He was the proud father of four wonderful children, two with special needs, Scott and Jenni, and Courtney and David of whom he was so proud. Their life was truly an adventure as they lived and learned in Utah, New Jersey, Washington, Florida, New York, and finally back to Bountiful, Utah where they retired next to the temple.
Of Gordon’s ten siblings, he is survived by one sister, Wealthy, his three brothers, Jim, Stan, Keith, and his ‘Allen-girl’ sisters, Gay, Ann, Judy, and brother Bruce. Six wonderful grandchildren also blessed his life.
Gordon was a brilliant, life time scholar. He earned degrees from the University of Utah and a PhD from Cornell University in Organizational Behavior. He used his expertise to author many articles and to arbitrate special needs issues through New York’s school districts.
Gordon was a warrior for people with special needs and color. He was deeply concerned about justice, mercy and human rights. At Seattle’s Washington University and FSU in Tallahassee, Florida, he fought tirelessly to desegregate schools and to champion special needs children. While serving almost 20 years on the local school board, Gordon taught at SUNY in Albany, New York, where he cared deeply for his students, and served as President of the New York State Schools Boards. He contributed to endless committees giving a voice to disabled people.
But most important to Gordon was his family and church service. He served an Eastern States mission, was Branch President in Binghamton, New York, and Tallahassee, Florida, and served in four bishoprics. He often shared his beautiful tenor voice in church. He loved sports, politics, Broadway plays and classical music.
He is deeply missed by his family and associates.
A graveside service will be held at the Centerville City Cemetery, Tuesday, May 1st, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund. The family offers a heartfelt thanks to all those who provided care.