Richard Evans Gordon

Richard Evans Gordon, 63, of Mount Vernon, WA passed away Friday, August 27, 2010 in Anacortes, Washington.

Richard was born May 5, 1947 to Rufus and Doris Swafford in Austin, TX. He attended Duke University, earning a BS in Engineering in 1969 and a Doctor of Medicine in 1972. He completed his pediatric residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 1975 and an orthopedic residency at Fort Lewis, Washington in 1987. He served ten years in the U.S. Army reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before leaving the service in 1989. Dr. Gordon was a well-respected surgeon and his patients appreciated his peaceful demeanor.

Rich was a devoted, loving father and husband and enjoyed family gatherings. He pursued life and its many joys. He was happiest sharing the wonders of life with those he loved. He had a passion for learning and developing new hobbies and believed life was worth living to its fullest. He was successful in his pursuit of happiness. He found happiness in his family, in following the Savior, and in enjoying the beautiful earth around him. Rich fulfilled a lifetime dream of sailing to the South Pacific with his family. He continued sailing every summer, which was the “family activity”.

Rich encouraged his children to follow their dreams as well. He taught them that all things were possible with hard work and perseverance. He was a man of faith who strove to follow the example of Jesus Christ. People who knew him remembered him as a soft-spoken, kind, caring, and gentle man who took the time to listen and offer support.

Rich is survived by his loving wife Patty and children, Madison and Megan of the home; Michelle and Ryan Allred of Lynnwood, Washington; Andrew and Miranda Gordon of Texas; David and Natalie Gordon of Louisiana; Amy and Robert Wood of Florida; Luke Gordon of Utah; Emily and Trevor Auman of Utah; and 13 adorable grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Linda Hardin of Virginia and his mother Doris Gordon of North Carolina.

A memorial service was held in his honor on Wednesday in Mt. Vernon, Washington.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, September 3, 2010 in the Hyde Park Stake Center, 535 East 200 South in Hyde Park. A viewing will be held on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street in a Logan and prior to services on Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the church. Interment will be in the Hyde Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his favorite charity fund, the Perpetual Education Fund. Details can be found at memoriesofrichardgordon.blogspot.com. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net