Gordon W. McGaw, 52, of East Helena died of natural causes on October 30, 2013 while pursuing his lifelong love of hunting in his beloved Elkhorn Mountains. .
Gordon graduated from Townsend High School in 1979 where he enjoyed playing football as an offensive guard. He went on to graduate from Montana Tech in Butte with a degree in accounting later becoming a CPA. Gordon loved martial arts and earned 3rd level black belts in Taekwondo, Hapkido and Judo. He worked for 26 years for the Montana Department of Transportation where he made many wonderful friends. Gordon was an avid outdoorsman. He strived for excellence in everything he did and was a true Renaissance man.
Gordon is survived by his wife and best friend Deb McGaw; daughter M.J. MacDonald; son-in-law Jared Surbrugg; and three grandchildren: Sarah, Lilly and Ryder. He also leaves behind dear friends Darrell and Carina Zook. Gordon is further survived by his mother Alice McGaw, sister Diane Johnson (Richard), sister Doreen Kennedy (David), nephew Cliff Johnson (Jen – children Sadie and Terrick) and nephew Jon Johnson (Kristen – children Tyrell and Cassidy.) He was preceded in death by his father Wayne McGaw, brother Charlie McGaw and nephew Lucas Johnson.
There will be a celebration of life memorial service held on Friday, November 8, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home located at 3750 Montana Avenue in Helena, MT 59602. Following the memorial service there will be a reception at Jorgenson’s Inn, 1714 11th Ave, Helena. Memorials in Gordon’s name may be sent to Farm in the Dell Helena, 3240 York Rd, Helena, MT 59602.
Monte Brown says
I am so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. It was my fortune to have worked with Gordon for so many years.
Jeff Knodle says
He was my cousin, my brother, my friend. So many great memories! He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Kara (Knodle) Rosenthal says
He was my cousin. He was one of coolest guys I knew. He could do anything! My prayers and all my love go out to my family in MT.
Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Michael Mahoney says
The world lost one of the good guys, and we’re much poorer because of it.
Deb, please accept my deepest condolences for you and your family.
Jon and Kristen Johnson says
Gordon was Jon’s Uncle. He was a sweet man, with a smile that made everyone feel welcome and at ease. Our deepest sympathies to Deb, and the rest of the family.
Brad & Erin Cobban says
Our deepest sympathies to Deb, Alice, Diane, Jon and the rest of this family. Gordon will be deeply missed. Take comfort in knowing that he is in a better place and is not suffering but out hunting with his Dad and so many others.
All our Love~
Brad, Erin & Wyatt
Teri Juneau says
I have worked with Gordon all of my state career. He was always helpful and fun to talk to. I will miss seeing him at training and knowing he would be at MDT to help. I hope your memories help you through this tough time.
Jerry and Anne Knodle says
We have such happy memories of family gatherings with the McGaws and Knodles. The memories will help you through the sadness now. Gordon was a great nephew . Our love to all the family.
Russ Cleveland says
I am so sorry to hear of Gordy’s passing. He was a great guy, smart as a whip and a hard worker, the kind of guy you always knew you could count on in a pinch. He was built like an ox in High School so the other teams didn’t much like being hit by Gordy who loved to play football. Sorry the miles have kept us from spending more time together as adults. My deepest sympathies to Deb, and the rest of the family and friends mourning Gordon’s passing. God Bless you all.
Cliff & Jen Johnson and Family says
Gordon is Cliff’s uncle. He is much loved and greatly missed by everyone he touched. Our deepest heart felt condolences from us to Deb and the rest of the family. Thank you to all offering their thoughts and prayers…they are felt and appreciated.
Joe Williams says
Gordon was an original! He was blessed with a keen sense of humor, a sharp mind, and a fun-loving spirit. He took his job seriously but never himself. He could convey more with raised eyebrows and that sarcastic grin than a set of encyclopedias. I once asked him what his favorite brand of beer was. He replied “Two brands. Free and Free Light.” That was Gordon! I simply can’t think of him without a smile on my face, which is fitting. He always had one on his. God’s blessing and comforting Hand on Deb and all the family during this tumultuous time.
Clayton & Sheryl McElravy says
So sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. He will be missed. Sorry we won’t be able to be there for the service but Deb – you and Gordon’s family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul Holland says
Gordon was an amazing guy and friend. We were neighbors growing up…fishing buddies in school and football and wrestling teammates. You always knew he had your back and was a true friend. Blessings of peace and grace to his family as they grieve the loss of great man!
Judy Morel says
My most sincere sympathy to all the family at this very difficult time. I was Gordon’s cousin, but remember his mother and father a bit more. I know my dad was so fond of the whole family and always wished he traveled to Montana more.
Randy McCamley says
To all of the Gordon McGaw family and friends, may our merciful Lord grant you his peace and comfort during this difficult time. My life has been enriched by knowing Gordon and for being able to call him my friend.
Trish & Bart Toney says
It is with deep sadness to hear of the death of Gordon. May God will hold you in his hands for comfort! Your wonderful memories will keep your hearts warm. Thoughts & Prayers for his family! God Bless!
Kris Ross says
Gordon was the quintessential “good guy”! Kind and thoughtful even as a teenager. My thoughts and prayers for Gordon’s family in this trying time.. May Gods spirit be a comfort to you all.
Jason Stein says
I am very saddened to have learned of Gordon’s passing. He had been a client of mine for many years while at MDT, but recently he began to get more involved in the day-to-day business so I had the opportunity to see and speak with him more often. He was soft-spoken but very knowledgeable and easy to talk with. I am happy that I got the opportunity to see him back in April when I was in Helena visiting the new director and staff. My thoughts are with his family during this very trying time, and with his extended family at MDT. Gordon, you were far too young, and you will be missed.
judy rauser snellman says
My deepest sympathies to his family.
Greg Zeihen says
I’ve known Gordon through martial arts training (and at work) for many years. He was a great martial artist, a great instructor, and a good friend. His positive attitude and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers to all of his family.
Betty Huttinger says
I worked with Gordon for several years, he was always willing to answer any questions I might have and head me in the right direction. It is my pleasure to have this chance to know him, he will be missed by all. May God bless his family. My prayers are with you all.
Joni Kaiser says
Gordon was always a gentle, kind soul at work, which was much appreciated. He will be greatly missed.
Betty Morel says
My deepest sympathy to all. Both Gene and I thought so much of Alice and Wayne’s family.
Denise Moudree says
My daughter Kendra took taekwondo from Gordon (and Larry Flynn). Their high integrity was evident and respected. Gordon made a difference in this world, inspiring others and especially the youth. He helped to shape their futures. It’s wonderful what he did. May that bring you comfort and pride as you feel the pain of his absence.
Dave Kennedy says
Gordon was a kind, unassuming brother-in-law. He cared deeply for his sister, my wife, Doreen. We miss our laugh out loud telephone conversations through the years. I know why Gordon was a hunter. He was born to it. Born to a Forestry Engineer father, he developed a life-long love of the forested mountains of the American West, and of the beauty and bounty that it possessed. The family followed the logging harvest, with Gordon finally settling and making his own life near the rugged vastness of his beloved Elkhorn Mountains. He was one with the Elkhorns. He hunted alone because, I can attest from personal experience, he set a grueling pace that few could sustain. Vaya con Dios.
Mary Lamb says
I am so sorry for your loss. Gordon was my supervisor when we first came to DOT, and helped so much in our transition. I was also there when you came to work with us, Deb, and we got quite a kick out of the little pranks you would pull on Gordon, but it must have helped in building the love the two of you shared. I won’t be able to attend his service, but please know that you and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers. It was a privilege to know and work with Gordon, and do know how very much he will be missed.
Teresa Graham says
Deb, Diane and Doreen, I am so very sorry for your loss of your beloved husband and brother. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please be comforted in your loving memories of sharing your lives with him.
Colin Smith says
Gordon now finds peace in the afterlife, as he blessed those around him with goodness in this lifetime. I can only pray that the love and acceptance with which he lived his life will continue to influence others to do the same. It will be a better world when more people like Gordon grace the planet. People like him help destroy fear and greed, making room for compassion and love. He has inspired many around him to be better human beings. Blessed Be Gordon The Warrior! ~R~
Mark & Susan says
Saddened to hear of Gordon’s passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers, Deb.
Pamela Longmire says
Gordon’s sweet and gentle spirit was evident to all who met him. He is greatly missed. I pray that you find peace and comfort in the Lord’s care. Gordon would desire that peace and much more for you. Although Gordon’s journey on earth is complete, his enduring love continues in the hearts of those he touched. Our prayers are with you, Deb, and his family. Be Blessed!
Brenda Morton says
Gordon was a wonderful man, too bad there was not a clone of this man. I always teased him and his wife, Deb, (who is a dear close friend of mine) that Gordon was my “boyfriend” and if she ever got tired of him, I was next in line to take him from her. Gordon always laughed about this and said “not going to happen, I belong to Deb.” He was truly one of a kind and he will be missed so much, not only by his loving wife, but by all of his friends that knew and loved him too. May God bless his soul to heaven and keep watch over Deb in her time of sorrow and grief for the love she has lost. Love you Deb, and I miss Gordon too.
Kathy Stricker says
Debbie,
I’m so sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Gordon’s
Family. You are my sister and I love you and send are love and prayers to you Debbie!
I will keep you in my prayers! Love Always Your Sister Kathy