Gordon William Davidson, 64, died Friday, June 29th, at home surrounded by family, following an extended battle with heart failure.
Gordon was born June 15, 1948 in Helena, Montana to Thomas and Edna Davidson.
Gordon was raised on the family dairy farm in the Helena Valley and was active in 4-H and sports. Gordon graduated from Helena High in 1966 lettering in football and wrestling. He attended Montana State University for a short while and joined the Army National Guard in November 1967. Gordon graduated at the top of his class in wheel and track mechanics and drilled in Helena and Deer Lodge.
In 1970, Gordon married Patricia Kay (Patty) Sullivan of Helena. They moved into the old family farm house where they raised two sons, Thomas (TJ) and Brian. The family gradually got back into producing hay and beef cattle in 1981. Gordon became very close to many of the young people and friends of his sons who worked for us on the ranch. In his spare time Gordon enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, rodeos, and spending time with family and friends.
After getting married, Gordon worked for Helena Transfer & Storage, eventually managing the warehouse for the State’s Food Distribution programs that provided USDA surplus commodities for Indian reservations, institutions, senior centers, and emergency relief. Gordon later worked for the State Department of Health and Human Services for 31 years, first managing the warehouse and then managing the food distribution programs until his retirement in 2003. Gordon saw the program through several periods of growth and expansion, including a warehouse building project, the great dairy surplus distribution, partnering with the prison industries in processing surplus cheese and canning vegetables, expanding distribution of surplus products to other states, the food bank networks and the school lunch program. Gordon was very proud of his years in public service.
Gordon was a private person, very devoted to his family and his ranching heritage. In his retirement years he continued to build up the family ranch teaching his grandchildren, Connor and Paige, the finer arts of ranching and raising beef cattle. He enjoyed working the land and could fix almost any piece of equipment. His idea of heaven was relaxing in his shop after a hard day’s work.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, and his son TJ. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patty, son Brian Davidson and his two Grandchildren, Connor and Paige of Helena; his brother Bruce and wife, Glenda of Helena, brothers-and sisters-in-laws Mike and Linda Sullivan of Sacramento, CA, and Mary and Dan Murray of Kalispell; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Special appreciation for Gordon’s care is given to Dr. Thomas Weiner and the staff of St. Peters Cancer Center and St. Peters Hospital, and to very special friend, Barry Ottoson, and all the many friends and family members who helped support our family and kept the ranch operating during his illness.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church; with a luncheon reception in the Fellowship Hall of the church immediately following Mass. Burial will be held at Forestvale Cemetery after the reception. Memorials in Gordon’s name may be sent to, St. Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Bart Bushman says
Dear Davidson Family,
Gordon and I were work acquaintances. He managed the Montana Food Distribution Program and I worked as part of the USDA food distribution team in Denver.
I really enjoyed the work relationship I had with Gordon, and I’m sure we would have been close buds had we lived near each other.
When we pass on from this life, we only get to take a few things with us—our intelligence, our character and our relationships. From what I know about Gordon, he passed on a rich man and miles ahead of many.
And while we all have some regrets, one thing I know to be true is that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is sufficient to cover us, sufficient to transform us, and sufficient to help us as long as that transformation process takes. And I believe Gordon is no quitter.
God has a plan that will allow all of us to progress in this life and when we pass on so that we can once again be reunited and stay with Him. Through the Spirit of His comforter, the Holy Ghost, I know this to be true.
Best wishes and keep your faith centered in Christ.
Bart Bushman
Brian Hohn says
Patty, I am so sorry to hear about Gordon. I hope you able to find peace in this trying time. You and your family are in my families prayers. God Bless. Brian & Claudette Hohn
Carolyn K. Pelletier says
Patty and Family, I was very sorry to read of Gordon’s passing. I did not realize he had been ill. I remember Gordon as a quiet, kind man. I know he took good care of his family. I know that you have many wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time. Please know that others are thinking of you and keeping your family close in our hearts. My very deepest sympathy. Carolyn
Carrie Greeley says
Patty,
I am so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. May the peace that comes from the memories of love and live shared with your husband, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Casey Bogard says
Patty – I was so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. You and your famliy are in my thoughts and prayers. Let me know if you need anything.
Casey
CHARLES BLIXT says
Gordon will be sadly missed. We have been friends and co-workers since Bryant School days. He was also my boss at work for many years. Our thoughts and prayers to Paty and the family.
Deb House Walter says
Patty – my thoughts and prayers are with you & your family, God Bless!
Deb
Deziah Gilliam says
Brian I am so sorry for your loss, you are all in my prayers. Please let me know if you need anything I am a call away
Dick Britzman says
Patty, Brian, Bruce and the rest– sorry we couldn’t get over there.. Bobby working- and until I get my cataracts taken care of- I ‘m not going far from home…
Spent the day at the Homestead- checking cows and crops- and where I can do a lot of good thinking….That country excels in thinking space…
Anyway- my thoughts all day were with you guys- Take care- and Gordon will be very missed…
Cousin Dick
Fred & Char Pulliam says
Dear Patty,
We are saddened to learn of Gordon’s passing. We know he left a great treasure of happy memories and joyful times with you and Brian and the grandchildren. May God comfort you at this difficult time.
Char and Fred Pulliam
Gayle Casey says
Patty, we are so sorry to hear about Gordon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We have always enjoyed our visits with you both during the hay season. Gordon will be dearly missed. Take Care, Bob and Gayle Casey
Hal and Julie Robbins says
Patty.
Julie and I were very sorry to hear of your loss. If there is something we can do, please let us know.
Hal & Julie
Jolene Stavropoulos-Kuhn says
My sympathy to the family in the loss of Gordon. I had the pleasure of working with him and getting to know him -he was a genuine person and devoted public servant.
Lindi Rusek says
I just now found out about Gordon. I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of loss. I have often thought about your family over the years and am deeply saddened by TJ’s death and now Gordon’s. Gordon and Patty were so kind while TJ and I were dating. Left quite an impression on me for over 22 years. I am terribly sorry I missed his service, I am sure it was beautiful.
Lorna (Pulliam) Butz and Family says
Dear Patty and Family,
So sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing . . . Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Sending our love and hugs,
THe Butz Family, Henderson, Nevada
matt & shelly horne says
We are so sorry to hear about Gordon’s passing Your are in our prayeres and thoughts he was a great friend we will miss him alot
Pam Arroues says
Patty – I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and yours.God Bless – Pam Arroues
Pamela LaFountaine says
Patty,
I was so sorry to hear about Gordon’s passing. It is very difficult to lose the love of your life. I know you will miss him terribly.
I knew him when I worked at Office of Public Instruction, School Food Services (OPI SFS) and he was with SRS. SRS was at the time getting into warehousing and distribution of donated foods and SRS was looking at taking over OPI SFS’ warehousing and distribution of the donated foods for the programs I was managing.
He was a good man and a pleasure to work with.
God Bless You and Your Family.
You will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Pamela LaFountaine
Randy Hendrix says
I want to express my sorrow at the passing of Gordon. I remember Gordon as a kid as Bruce and I were best friends. Gordon always covered the milking so Bruce and I could go hunting. My sincere condolences to Gordon’s family. Also a special hug for my friend Bruce. Know that I am thinking of you. Randy Hendrix
Randy Hendrix says
It is with great sadness I learned of the passing of Gordon. Gordon’s brother Bruce was one of my best friends in college. Gordon was younger. Gordon always covered the milking for Bruce so Bruce and I could go hunting. Gordon was always a real nice kid. I haven’t seen Gordon in 50 years but it was nice to read his obituary to see how successful a life he lived. I give my deepest sympathy to Gordon’s whole family along with a special hug for Bruce on this great loss. Randy Hendrix, Eugene, Or
Rita tenneson says
Dear Patty – I am sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing and ashamed that I have not kept in touch. I realize how sad it is to loose a loved one and the difficult times you must have faced during Gordie’s illness. May the happiness you shared help comfort you during the lonesome days ahead. My heart goes out to you and my thoughts are definitely with you. Much love and hugs. Rita Tenneson
Ron Robinson says
Patty,
I am so sorry for your loss and that this is so late, but was just informed. Gordon was a special friend and I have thought of him frequently over the years, a true friend. It is just too bad that life seperates us and we do not make the effort to stay in touch. My condolences to you and Bruce and your families.
Ron Robinson
Ron Routzahn says
Patty, so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Susan Giono-Jensen says
Patty: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My condolences.
Tara Gibson-LaBard says
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gordon. He was an amazing man and made a lasting imprint on the lives of all of those who knew him. He will never be forgotten and I am truely blessed to have gotten to spend time with him and all of you. All my love and prayers to you Patty, Brian and the kids.
Val Flansaas says
Patty, I am so sorry to hear about Gordon. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family.
Valerie and Bob Raisch says
Dear Patty and family,
It is with a heavy heart that we send our deepest love and condolences on the passing of Gordon. We are so sorry for your loss and wish we could be there to attend his service. May your many treasured memories and the love of family and friends give you comfort and support and remember that this is not good bye but we’ll see you later!
God bless you all.
Valerie and Bob Raisch
Ocala, FL.