GORDON LAMAR VALDEZ (1939-2023)
Gordon Lamar Valdez died in Ogden, Utah, on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at his niece Erin's home, who was taking care of him. Gordon was born on July 20, 1939, in Salt Lake City to Maurita Margaret Ringle Miles and Lamar Gordon Miles. He had an older brother, Bobby, and a sister, JoAnn. Gordon's mother, Maurita, later married J. Derden, who was serving in the US Army. J. Derden and the family moved regularly, as is common with military families. His older brother passed when the family was living in Japan, which further solidified the close bond between him and JoAnn, his best friend, travel companion, and protector. The two formed a close bond of trust that remained durable throughout their lives. While JoAnn married Robert Ray Ward and raised her family in Ogden, Gordon's life would take the wild landscapes of Central Idaho. After their military experience, Maurita and her children returned to Utah. Maurita then married Louis Valdez, who adopted Gordon. He loved and learned much from Lou, which is a large part as to why he took his name.
Gordon graduated from Ogden High School in 1958 and attended Weber State College for a short stint. He also worked as a survey technician until he enlisted in the Navy in 1961. After joining the Navy, he was assigned to serve on the aircraft carrier USS Hornet as an air traffic control assistant. Gordon honorably served four years in the Navy and enjoyed his service and many ports of call throughout the Pacific.
Following his Navy service in 1965, he joined the Navy Reserve, and the US Forest Service hired him as a surveying technician. Gordon was promoted to manage a crew of surveyors that worked throughout the Northwestern United States. Although he traveled countless ridges, rivers, and canyons across the American West for his work, Gordon called Lake Fork and Yellow Pine, Idaho, his home for over 50 years. He retired from the US Forest Service in 1992, concluding a career that solidified his connection to the incredible lands of Idaho and the American West.
In Central Idaho, he met Donna Marie Earl and her two boys from a previous marriage, Terry and Ricky, who soon became his stepsons. Donna and Gordon fell in love and got married on October 21, 1966. A few years later, their daughter Mary Maurita was born on November 27, 1968. With Donna being an incredible artist, and Gordon's relentless, inquisitive mind, together they spearhead various successful entrepreneurial endeavors while living in Yellow Pine. From running the 'Tavern' to building a gravel pit to serve local contractors and the Idaho Department of Transportation, they were always pushing the edge of what was possible. Although they divorced in 2016, their vibrant love defined both of their lives. Gordon's life was also defined by his daughter being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1995. Gordon and Donna cared for Mary and her son, Eizaak, as she became progressively sick throughout the years. The whole family worked to care for Mary, but Gordon relentlessly strove to help in any way he could. Gordon also acted as a highly involved and supportive father figure for his grandson Eizaak. He provided various support to Eizaak throughout his college graduation. Eizaak and Gordon remained incredibly close up until his death.
After Gordon and Donna's divorce, Gordon spent the last several years of his life visiting friends and traveling between McCall, Idaho, and Wickenburg, Arizona, where he enjoyed spending time with his good friend Mark Yost, his step grandson Joe Leatherman, and his grandniece, Megan Dooley, her husband, Robert, and their children.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Bobby and JoAnn, his brother-in-law, Ray Ward, and his daughter, Mary. Gordon is survived by his grandson, Eizaak, step-grandchildren, Joe and Chelsea, many nieces and nephews who remember and love their "Uncle Gordon," and Gordon's last faithful traveling companion in this world, his loyal dog, Butch. There has never been a dog who loved his owner more than Butch loved Gordon. Gordon will be remembered as a man with an unrelenting commitment to do what's right for his family and community. Gordon left a profoundly positive impact on the lives of everyone he knew. His friends and family will greatly miss him.
legacy.com - Published by The Star-News from Jan. 8 to Jan. 11, 2024.
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