Gordon Charles Burns, II, 76 of Helena, Montana passed away on February 7th. He passed away due to complications from COVID-19.
He was born to parents Gordon and Maria Burns (nee Viti). After serving in the Navy, he married Jo Ann Martin. His love of the outdoors brought them to Montana and he found his true home. Gordon is survived by his life partner, Jean Johnson, his children Trey, Heather, Michael (Elizabeth) and grandson Joseph Gordon, his brother Sean, sisters Pat and Maria. Survivors also include Jean’s children and their families: Kendall Merritt (Mary), Kristin Long (Matt), Jake Merritt (Katie), Tyler Merritt, Jessica Merritt, Reagan Long, Andrew Long, and great-grandchildren Sami Merritt and Grey Merritt.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Terry, and nephew Sean Paul.
Gordon loved adventure and spending his free time in the outdoors hunting, fishing, placer mining, or even just driving off the beaten path exploring. Gordon created a construction business and through it was able to visit a large portion of the northwest building pools and waterslides, repairing dams, and building and remodeling homes. Gordon was a jack of all trades and a master of everything he set his mind to. It wasn’t until a little later in life that he met his soulmate and life partner, Jean. She provided him the confidence and support to chase an idea and start a business dedicated to the restoration of fish populations across the world.
Gordon was a fiercely loyal friend and valued fairness. He had a generous heart and over the years, was willing to do nearly anything to help people he cared about, and even strangers, when it was needed.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org.
There will be a memorial service followed by a reception on Tuesday, February 15th at 11 a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena, MT.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m..
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Monatna 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m..
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Monatna 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday February 15, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Your MOGA Family says
Jean,
Your MOGA family joins in mourning the loss of Gordon. He was a good man, a trusted partner and supported you in your time with this Association. Although we know he is with God now, and truly in a better place, his loss is heartfelt. We will be with you at the Service and Reception and for the years to come. May God grant you and the family His grace and blessing.
Your MOGA Family
Cary Hegreberg says
Jean-Jean,
My heart broke for you when i just read in the paper that Gordon passed away. He was a kind, generous, and engaged person, and I always enjoyed visiting with him–whether about construction, politics or world events. I am truly grateful I got to know him through you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Gordon’s loved ones.
Cary Hegreberg
Pat Tabor says
Jean:
Words can’t express my sorrow for you in this time of need. You are such a special person, and I want you to know just how much everyone supports and loves you. You are a woman of faith, I know that Jesus will take you in his arms and nurture you through the pain of loss. I’m sorry I can’t be there to comfort you in person, but know that you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers
God Bless
Pat Tabor
Wagner and Jill Harmon says
Jean,
We are so sorry to hear of Gordon passing. As many trips that we have made to Helena in all our years, we regret that we won’t be able to be there for you. With the closeness of our first grandchild to be born any day, we are doing our best to not travel. But please be assured that we shall keep you and your family in our prayers. God bless you Jean, you mean so much to us.
Love Jill and Wagner
Stan Grace says
Jean,
I’ll always remember Gordon as one that left each situation and person that he had dealings with better than he found them. With his effort and his attitude, he has established a great legacy. I’m certainly sorry he left life as we know it so soon.
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Jean, we are so sorry to learn of Gordon’s passing. He will certainly be missed, you two were an amazing Team! Please know we are thinking about you at this difficult time.
Our Love and Prayers,
Tom and Jusy
Dick Anderson says
Jean,
Sorry to hear about Gordon’s passing. I always enjoyed my conversations with Gordon in my office and our time together on jobs. He always had a smile and we always had some laughs together. I will be out of town tomorrow but I wanted to send my condolences.
God Bless,
Dick Anderson
Scott Vollmer says
Jean,
With deepest sympathy, I am so sorry to hear about Gordon’s passing. I will not be able to be there tomorrow, but know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. You have meant so much to us at MOGA over the years and can only hope that you know how much we love you and support you in this time of loss. You have always been there for us and hopefully we can continue to return the favor through this difficult time and beyond.
God bless you and your family,
Scott Vollmer
Brian Marotz says
Jean
My heart goes out to you. I have fond memories of Gordon’s sense of humor and his persistence pursuing Natural Solutions. Gordon will be missed.
Teresa Keating Smith says
Speaking about “Buzz” Gordon today with my father, lead us here. Gordon’s smile and spirit will be remembered. Our condolences to the Burn’s Family.
Phil Keating Family.
Teresa Keating Smith says
Speaking about “Buzz” Gordon today with my father, led us here. Gordon’s smile and spirit will be remembered. Our condolences to the Burn’s Family.
Phil Keating Family.