Gordon Woodward Gordon

Gordon Woodward Gordon

April 19, 1949 – August 24, 2018

On August 24, 2018, Gordon Woodward Gordon (“Geige”), passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife Marsha (Wilks) and his three (3) children, Cameron, Trevor, and Meredith, at Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. His passing followed a brave battle with cancer and resulting complications over the previous twenty (20) months. He was sixty-nine (69) years old.

Giege was born on April 19, 1949 in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Marjorie Ruth (Woodward) and Farroll Gordon. He was raised in Salt Lake City by his mother and step-father, Harold L. Sharp. He had two (2) older brothers, H. Gary Bradshaw and David T. Bradshaw; and two (2) step-brothers, Larry Sharp and Corey Sharp.

Giege graduated from Skyline High School in 1968. Thereafter he enlisted in the Coast Guard, where he served honorably from 1968-1972.

Geige married his sweetheart, Marsha, on March 4, 1978. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on March 21, 1989. Giege and Marsha happily celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary earlier this year, with countless friends and family in attendance.

Giege volunteered as a soccer coach on each of his children’s teams. Through his unique life experience and ability to connect to people on a personal level, he became a mentor and confidante to numerous players.  He could often be found sitting on the porch at his home, offering life lessons and advice to his former players as they grew and their concerns expanded outside of the soccer field.

Giege was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous, celebrating thirty-six (36) years of Sobriety on July 7, 2018. He took great pride in maintaining his sobriety for many more years than he spent drinking. He helped several alcoholics conquer their disease through his volunteer efforts in AA over the years.

Giege was also an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He regularly volunteered his time and talents in numerous positions, from his favorite calling as a nursery leader to serving on the Valley View Stake High Council, to serving as a missionary for the Salt Lake Institute. He also served as a Temple Worker in the Salt Lake Temple, a calling he truly loved.

Giege epitomized positivity in the face of adversity. On March 16, 2006, Giege was involved in a serious accident while working for Qwest in a position he held for nearly thirty (30) years. He suffered the loss of his left leg as a result, forcing an early retirement. He handled this trial with grace and humor. When asked how he was doing thereafter, he would often quip, “Pretty good, for a one-legged, fat man!”

He maintained the same positive attitude following his cancer diagnoses, fighting valiantly until the last without complaint or self-pity. Despite his physical difficulties, Giege remained focused on the well-being of others. In addition to sharing his love of smoking on his Traeger with the neighborhood, he also provided a ready ear for anyone who wanted to talk. He had a one-of-a-kind ability to connect with people at any age, from children to adolescents, adults, and the elderly. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, friend, and neighbor.

Giege was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie Ruth (Woodward) and Harold L. Sharp, his older brother H. Gary Bradshaw, and his father, Ferroll Gordon. He is survived by his loving wife, Marsha, his sons Cameron and Trevor, daughter Meredith, older brother David T. Bradshaw, and step-brothers Larry Sharp and Corey Sharp.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 2245 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84109. Burial will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106. The family will greet friends on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints identified above from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.; and again the following day from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in advance of the memorial service.  Services under the direction of Russon Mortuary, Salt Lake Ctiy

The Gordon family would like to extend special thanks to the physicians and staff at Intermountain Medical Center and the Utah Cancer Specialists for their attentive treatment and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the Gordon family encourages donations to the cancer charity of your choice.