Gordon Eslick passed away at his home in the waning hours of January 14, 2024 after a courageous battle with kidney disease. He spent his last days at home surrounded by his loving family.
Gordon was born on July 12,1955 to parents Evangeline and Jack Eslick where he joined his older brother John (who he called Joe). The family spent time in Spokane and Billings but settled in Helena, where he graduated from Helena High School in 1973. He went on to receive his welding certificate from the Helena Vo-Tech.
On June 29,1985, Gordon married the love of his life Sharon Applegate and they started their life together with Gordon’s children, Aaron and Mandy. A few years later, they welcomed Katie and Jordan and their family was complete. Gordon always swore that his gray hair came from Sharon and the girls, but we’re sure that Aaron contributed to the graying process as well.
Gordon worked for the Asarco Smelter in East Helena and at several auto parts stores throughout Helena. He worked at Eagle Tire, Engines Etc. Machine Shop and was a dispatcher for Helena Sand and Gravel and later Valley Sand and Gravel. His final job was working in the parts department at the Helena College-Airport Campus. He found his best friend (his faithful dog, Maddie) after he retired from working and together they spent their days watching tv and eating McDonald’s burgers and fries. We all thought he loved her the most, with the rest of us following somewhere behind.
He also loved his cars. He would help friends with repairs and always wanted to own more than he had (and he owned his share of cars in his lifetime). Sharon was always telling him, “We don’t need another car”. Even in his last days, he spent time watching the car auctions on TV and telling us which of his friends owned which cars, back in the day. His other hobbies included bowling. As part of our bigger bowling family, Gordon enjoyed participating in the sport as well as watching Sharon, the kids and even grandkids, take up the sport.
He loved being a father but found an even greater joy when he became a Papa. Due to many health problems throughout the years, he was not the normal grandfather. His family often referred to him as the “sit down grandpa” but he found ways to form bonds and make memories with the kids. He always enjoyed rocking in his chair with a sleeping grandbaby or teasing and pinching them as they walked by. He enjoyed many of the grandkid’s outdoor sporting events from the warmth and comfort of the car (even if it was July) as he was always cold.
Gordon is preceded in death by his parents Jack Eslick and Evangeline (Irma) Eslick Speer, stepfather Elmer Speer, son Aaron Eslick, and father- and mother- in-law Jean and Clarence Applegate.
He leaves behind his dog Maddie, his wife Sharon, daughters Amanda Eslick (Jason Smith), Katie Eslick, and Jordan (Ry) Paull, grandchildren Hannah, Tanyan (aka Nonie), Ari, Payton, Emerson, and Kamden, brother John (Cristy) Eslick of Maryland, brother-in-law Rod Applegate and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Vince Saccheri and KC Hill, who he considered to be family.
The Eslick family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. LaClair, Lisa, Amber and the entire St. Peter’s Dialysis team, Dr. Kirksey, Jacki and the North Clinic staff, and St. Peter’s Hospice, who all provided exceptional, loving care for Gordon. We are forever grateful.
“We little knew the day, that God would call your name.
In life we loved your dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone.
For parts of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.”
~ Ron Tranmer
Come join Gordon’s family and friends in celebrating his life 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Memorials in Gordon’s name are suggested to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society P.O. Box 4455; Helena, Montana 59604 or to Big Sky Rottweiler Rescue, P.O. Box 1052 Mills Wyoming 82644.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday January 26, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Friday January 26, 2024
Social Hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
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Michelle says
Eslick and Applegate family, so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all always, Michelle Anderson and family
Connie Carson says
Sharon and family my condolences. You all are in my prayers and thoughts. He was a wonderful husband and Dad and will be truly missed. Many prayers my friend
Debbie Morrison says
Sharon and family, my deepest sympathies. I pray that your memories will help comfort you. You’re all in my prayers. God bless.
Mark Johnson says
Rest in peace my friend
Kristi Paulsen says
Sharon and family, I’m so sorry about Gordon’s passing. So many fun memories with you, Gordon, Rod and your folks (aka my 2nd parents) in the mid 80’s. Lots of cards, games, rides, wine and laughs! I will cherish those memories forever! May all your memories give you peace. Hugs and prayers. God bless you. Love, Kristi
Kelly Cresswell says
Sharon and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts!
Paul and Becky Martello says
Sharon and girls,
Becky and I just heard the news of Gordon’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss. We have alot of memories with Gordon bowling, or at your mom and dad’s house just hanging out… Gordon will be missed by those who know him. RIP Gordon.
Mary Sark says
Eslick and Applegate family, our prayers are with you all after reading of Gordon’s passing.
-Sark family
Tim & Kathy Royston says
Dear Sharon and family,
Very sorry to learn of Gordons’ passing. May all your memories help during this difficult time. You’re in our thoughts.
Rhonda Safford says
Sharon and family,
I am so saddened to hear about Gordon’s passing. My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.
Dennis Doherty says
Sharon and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. What a great loss…
You are in our prayers,
Dennis and Lynn Doherty
Greg & Kay Culp says
Sharon and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Gordon. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sheila Mondloch says
Sheila Mondloch Says
Sharon and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Gordon. We were each other’s birthday buddies and co-workers at Valley Sand and Gravel (Construction). He always had a smile on face when we would run into each other. He is missed. You are in my prayers.
Sharon Grace says
Rod and family, Thoughts and prayers are with all of you 💕🙏.
Bryan Sondeno says
So sorry to hear about your loss! Gordy was always a good friend and I really enjoyed the time we spent working together at Champion Auto. Take care all of you!
Randy Williams says
Gordy…Couter…was the fun cousin! Fast cars, pool, beer and just hanging! So many memories that I’ll always cherish! May he rest in peace. Dad Gordy and all the rest. Let’s build the 56 Ford F100 again. And many others!
Travis Bronson says
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. So many memories with all of us growing up. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him. Love you all
Roy moreno says
I first met Gordon when he I believe owed parts store on Last Chance Gulch than bowled in the mixed league with his wife he was a very pleasant gentleman my deepest condolences to Sharon,Katie and Jordan he’s not suffering anymore from this dreaded kidney disease I know he will be missed by those who were very close and dear to him and by those who happen to cross paths RIP Gordon
Jill Henry says
I’m so sorry to hear of this, sending you all my love and prayers ❤️
Shirley Bentzen Reese says
Sharon and Famiy,
I am so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. He was such a special person! I will be holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Melissa Huntington says
Sharon and Rod, sending you all love at this difficult time. Sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories help with your grief process.
Rick McAlmond says
So sorry for your loss, I worked with Gordon at Eck Oil on Main Street in 1972, he will be missed by many
Julie Massaro says
Sharon and Family,
So sorry to read of Gordon’s passing. My deepest condolences to you. His memory will be alive forever in your hearts. Sending you much love.
Cindy Logan says
Sharon and family,
So sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing and the loss you are feeling, your memories will give you comfort so hold tight to them and always share them with all of us that hold you close. Many hugs and a whole lot of love.
Mary Runkel says
Sharon and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing – Sharon
always had such good stories of their fun times together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you now.