Gordon Marvin Jackson, a/k/a Gordy, Gordo Flash
In the early morning hours of October 18, 2019, Gordon passed away of natural causes at his home in Helena, Montana. Gordon was 77 years old, born in Helena, Montana, on April 14, 1942 to Lewis and Maxine Jackson.
Gordon was raised at Holter Dam, near Wolf Creek Montana, where his dad worked for Montana Power Co. The family moved to Butte in 1946, where he graduated from Butte High School in 1960. Gordon enlisted in the U.S. Army, served in the Reserve and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Gordon attended the University of Montana, Carroll College, and ultimately graduated from Montana State University in History and Economics. He worked in Helena for the Montana Department of Commerce in economic development and the Montana Department of Highways in research and planning for Colstrip. Montana Power Company offered him a job in Butte as a System Operator in transmission of electricity, a position he held for 28 years (through the transition to Northwestern Energy) until his retirement.
During Gordon’s early years, he spent time fishing the Big Hole River and hiking the mountains of southwestern Montana. Gordon was a kind, generous and gentle man with many friends. He was an avid reader, loved history and cribbage. He would argue either point of any question at the drop of a hat and was a champion of the lost art of civil discourse. Gordon was married for 26 years with no children and was later divorced.
Gordon had a deep faith and was baptized and confirmed in St. John’s Church in Butte in 1979 and continued his search for truth in St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral of Helena, where he was a dedicated member of the parish.
Gordon was a good writer during his college years, and following retirement he took an active interest in writing. He took several writing courses through a writer’s forum in New England and wrote of fictional and nonfictional incidents and events related to his experiences and relationships in Butte. One of Gordon’s articles was published in a national psychological journal, where he discussed his experience in managing the challenge of mental illness.
Gordon proudly wore the ring of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was faithful in attending the gatherings of the UM Sigma Chi Group in Whitefish each summer. Following retirement, he enjoyed traveling extensively with his friend, Rick Kravas, to Europe, the Caribbean and Hawaii, as well as many destinations in the U. S. He was an energetic and interested member of the Flickers Coffee Group and during the annual meeting in December 2018, was elected “Grand Flicker.”
Gordon loved children and animals. His time during the holidays was spent watching his niece and nephews playing and enjoying the energy of youth.
Gordon was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bert and Ann Jackson and Max and Neta Marvin, his parents, Lewis and Maxine Jackson and his nephew, Don Jackson. Gordon is survived by his brother, Dave (Julie) Jackson of Helena, his nephew, Doug (Mary Jo) Jackson and their children, Mandy, Kyle and Dan of Missoula and his nephew, Beau (Danielle) Jackson and their son, Ryder of Helena and numerous cousins.
A memorial service celebrating Gordon’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 1st at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Avenue. A reception will follow the service in the lower level of the church. Burial with military honors will follow the reception at Forestvale Cemetery. Memorials in Gordon’s name may be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604, St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N. Park Ave, Helena, MT 59601 or to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 1, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday November 1, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Friday November 1, 2019
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 1, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday November 1, 2019
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Friday November 1, 2019
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Dudley Williams says
Condolences to the Jackson family. Sorry to see Gordon had passed away.
Stephen Brehe says
Gordon was the exalted Grand Flicker of the Flickers coffee klatch, which meets every weekday at Murry’s Cafe downtown. There, retired old white men gather to pontificate on things as far-ranging as Donald Trump and the new parking meter kiosks. As Grand Flicker, Gordon was endowed with enormous prestige and absolutely no power. His name will go on the plaque honoring past Grand Flickers. We loved him, his mostly quiet presence, his delightful smile, his good humor.
But Gordon was much more than a coffee klatch guy. He was an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral and was in the pews offering his prayers with others Sunday by Sunday. He was a leader of the Flipper Club, which prepares a pancake brunch once a month, with proceeds going to social outreach programs around Helena. Gordon also volunteered for Family Promise, taking a turn regularly as an overnight host when families were at St. Peter’s Cathedral.
Regrettably, I am out of town and won’t be able to attend his funeral. But as one saint pointed out years ago, prayer reduces distances. I offer my prayers of thanksgiving for Gordon, servant of God and my friend. Requiescat in pace.
(The Very Rev.) Stephen Brehe
Retired Dean of St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral
Ross Cannon says
I was my pleasure to nominate Gordon to succeed me as the Grand Flicker of our Flickers coffee group. I did so because among his other engaging qualities he was such a calming presence when differences of opinion would crop up among our members on issues of the day. A most likeable person. He will be missed.
Donna Thornburg says
I was a neighbor of Gordon for a few years. We had a lot of enjoyable conversations and I watched his treasured cat Fritz many times.
Laura Ramírez says
I am so sorry for Gordon’s passing away. He was a great friend to Rick Kravas and to me .Sometimes I helped with his manuscripts cause I knew he loved writing and he was very good at it .I met him through Rick 9 years ago. I am Rick’s girlfriend Laura. He loved coming up
To watch the news and have dinner with us .May he respect in Peace.
Laura Ramírez says
Laura Ramírez says
I am so sorry for Gordon’s passing away. He was a great friend to Rick Kravas and to me .Sometimes I helped with his manuscripts cause I knew he loved writing and he was very good at it .I met him through Rick 9 years ago. I am Rick’s girlfriend Laura. He loved coming up
To watch the news and have dinner with us .May he respect in Peace.
Bill Gibson says
I have often wonder what happened when two young minds captured the attention of the other and a deep friendship that lasted a lifetime occurs. Gordon and I grew up together from living in the same neighborhood , attending Whittier Grade School and Butte High School. Our friendship was a gift. We lost track of one another after graduating from high school until it was time to celebrate a reunion. Gordon was witty, intelligent and had a wonderful sense of humor.
I recently came across a song sung by a young musical group entitled “Well Done” by The Afters. It’s lyrics are much too long to include in this message however. I would like to share a few lines befitting to Gordon.
What will it be like when my pain is gone
And the worries of this world just fade away
What will it be like when You call my name
And that moment when I see you face to face?
I’m waiting my whole life to hear You say…
Well done, well done
My good and faithful one
Welcome to the place where you belong
Well done, well done
My beloved child.
The last words Gordon spoke to me on the phone before he left for California was “Bill, we have to talk more often”. I replied “Yes we do and I love you brother”. Until we meet again goodbye my faithful friend.
Bill Gibson
Nick Richard Kravas says
When we meet someone who shares our joys
Who knows when we are up or down
Who shows they care in so many ways
And never lets us down
That is who we can call our friend, I’m
proud to say Gordon was a true friend.
I was the last person to see him alive and the first person to see him after he passed. I miss deeply.
Gary Helming says
Gordon was a mainstay of Montana Power Company and Northwestern Energy System Operations Control Center Operations for many years. Heard his sing songy voice call me many times on the phone in the middle of the night to come and fix some malady. Gordon left me some historic momentos of his many years in the power service. He was a great and dedicated friend. Lead on Gordon and God Speed–see you when we get there!
Gary Helming
Butte
LarryColvin says
Gordon was a good person, friend and quite a character. I was fortunate to work with Flash for many years at Mt. Power & Northwestern Energy. He was a great storyteller and was a master of words who always brought a smile to your face. He often told me about his travels when he retired with his friend Rick. He loved history, politics, family & friends. Gordy will be missed by many but not forgotten. May God Bless him and may God Bless his family.
John Ruane says
I had the sincere pleasure of being Gordons partner on shift at NWE for almost 10 years. I could not have asked for a better partner. He always had a smile on his face and a good word for everyone. Gordy always said, we worked well together and never had a bad word between us. God bless Gordon and his family,
I will miss you my friend. Until we meet again.
Joan Poston says
Gordon was a great friend, a fellow Flicker, and a devoted dinner date whom I will miss terribly. God Bless!
Mike O'Connell says
I will always remember the good times we had as older boys. The road trips and adventure are still clear in my mind and will always be. Rest in peace my good friend and may you take your wit and humor with you to heaven.
Hugh A. McWhorter says
Every gathering needs a person who is reflective, attentive and a reserved participant. Gordon was such a participant in the Flicker’s coffee group. An anchor that kept us from straying too much. He had an absolute delightful laugh and sure knew where to direct me when it came to the purchase of a Butte pasty. I enjoyed his analysis of deregulation, his fraternity and the merits of participation in Family Promise. A special Flicker who has joined the ranks of departed Flickers Joe Campeau and Phil Bird. All of whom collectively made Flicker’s a special group. Every Flicker has a sense of humor and Gordon’s came through when he gave me a pooper scooper as a Flicker secret Santa. Miss ya Gordon.
Karla Chandler Bailey says
Gordy and I were great friends at Butte High & then University of MT in Missoula.
I wish you Godspeed, Gordy…you were a very special friend.
Chuck Johnson says
Gordon was a wonderful man who was a friend to everyone. He was a gentleman to all and never said an unkind word about anyone. He was interested in everyone and everything and kind to all. He will missed by so many. RIP, Gordon.
Jim McFarland says
Gordon and I were friends for more than 45 years. I have many memories of that friendship. He was kind, thoughtful and the most generous person I have ever known. We didn’t always agree but we were always friends. Most of all, I remember his sense of humor. He gave me plaque that hangs on the wall at home. It says – A good friend will bail you out of jail, but a real friend will be sitting right there beside you saying – damn, that was fun! I’ll always remember my real friend Gordon.