Gordon Russell

Gordon Russell

1940 ~ 2016

Gordon Russell was born on July 3, 1940. He was 75 years old when he passed away at his home in Hurricane, Utah due to complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He was known by so many names: son, student, husband, father, teacher, tutor, Gordy, Gpa, GG, and a dear friend to so many.

His parents were told he would never walk, and that his life would be cut short because he was born with cerebral palsy. Not only did he walk and run; he played baseball as a young boy, and his family was host of the old Ogden Reds baseball team, he almost made his high school and college basketball teams, He loved playing golf, and though he couldn’t hit the ball very far, it was always down the middle. The boy who was born with challenges grew to be a man who cared about everyone, never took a hand-out, and made a positive difference in the lives of so many.

Gordon obtained his Master’s Degree at Utah State University, which prepared him to become a teacher at T.H.Bell Jr. High, Roy High School, Weber State and later, a professor at Dixie State University with an emphasis in Mathematics. He taught his students that one is not measured statistically; and the odds no matter how much they might be stacked against a person do not determine the result. A person’s choices dictate the life that one leads, not the situation in which one is born. The ability to try to see things from another person’s point of view is part of the formula to success, with attitude being the predominate ingredient. Gordon always made a person feel like he or she was the most important person in the world. He made time to help, and built people up with positive words and enthusiastic encouragement. He listened attentively, offered a shoulder to lean on, and tried not to judge people for their actions. His philosophy was to get by giving, and pay it forward. He started a scholarship in honor of a former student, Shea’ton Russell, in hopes that others would lead by his example.

Gordy accomplished many things in his life, with too many awards and accolades to mention, the latest being educator of the year for Southern Utah, but there was a class to teach so he didn’t go to the ceremony.

Gordon was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence; mother, Gladys; sister, Naida; brother, Lynn; and Adell Farrow, the mother of his children. His legacy lives on in his daughter, Randi Bibler; and his son, Ryan Russell, and Ryans wife Shanelle. To Cody Elliot, Cody’s wife TaNa, their son Randon Scott, Shyann Bibler, and Sage Bibler; He was “Gpa” and to Rio Bella Russell and Sailor Elle Russell he was “GG”. Dear friends, there are so many people that naming them would be impossible, and not attempting to name everyone is intentional for fear that someone might be left out. All of you know who you are, and how important you were to him, and trust that he is still with you.

In lieu of giving flowers or other gifts, please consider donating to the scholarship he started so it, and his philosophy to pay it forward, can live on. (Go to giving.dixie.edu, click on “Please direct my gift to,” choose “Other,” and type in “Gordon Russell Scholarship Endowment” and your contribution.) His life truly was like a math equation that has touched lives exponentially on into infinity.

There are two dates you can come and pay your respects: Friday June 17, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. and June 18, 2016 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the mortuary.

A Celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at a later date in St. George.

As per Gordon’s wishes there will be no sadness only love and laughter.

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.