Gerald E. Gordon

Gerald Eugene Gordon, 91, lifetime Thorp resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on Sunday, February 6, 2022.  Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg.  A graveside service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 12 at the High Valley Cemetery.

Gerald was born in Ellensburg on January 26, 1931, the youngest child born to Martin & Eva (Wilcox) Gordon. He attended Thorp Schools where he met his wife, Jeanne Bennett. They were married on October 15, 1949, in Thorp, where they made their home together for over 70 years of marriage and raised three children.

Gerald was an avid outdoorsman. His most loved memories were at his elk camp of more than 30 years where he hunted with family and friends. Gerald also enjoyed sports, as he played on his high school basketball teams, coached local women’s softball, and played golf. His community involvement included the Thorp Community Band and the Kittitas Valley Fiddlers and Friends where he played the guitar, bass horn and sang. He also volunteered for the Kittitas County Search and Rescue and for the Thorp Fire Department. Gerald was always helping neighbors and friends with custom hay and backhoe work. He never had a shortage of jokes to tell and loved quoting lines from his favorite movies.

Gerald began his career working in his family’s sawmill, the Taneum Lumber Company. He also worked over 16 years for Herb Lym Logging where friends described him as the “jack of all trades.” Gerald finished his career working 25 years for the Washington State Department of Transportation, retiring in 1994.

He is survived by his children Brian Gordon, Gene (Connie) Gordon and Lyla (David) Fudacz as well as six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne, parents, Martin and Eva Gordon, and his siblings, Merle, Earl, Albert, Lena and infant brother.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Mr. Gordon and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com