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1931
2013
John "Big Bad John" Gordon passed away July 5, 2013. He was in a single vehicle motorcycle accident in Fort Collins. He was born Oct. 16, 1931 to D.G. Gordon and May (McGraw) Gordon of Denver.
He graduated from Lackland Air Force Academy San Antonio, Texas as an air sea pararescue trooper in 1951. He continued to skydive recreationally well into his 70s, clocking over 10,000 jumps in his lifetime. He was a veteran of the Korean War, and an honorary member of the 10th Mountain Division.
As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting with his grandchildren, camping, professional bull riding in his youth, skydiving and skiing. He taught ski school as was director of the ski patrol at Hidden Valley Ski Area in Estes Park and then Ski Cooper in Leadville, Colo. He taught until the class of the 2012-2013 ski season. Also, a traveling man, he traveled the world extensively.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James P. Gordon. He is survived by his sister Gloria (Gordon) Getty of California; his children, Jen Juneau of Estes Park, John Reid "Jr" Gordon of Lyons; his grandchildren Brandi, Michaela, J'Lyn and Dylan, and his great-grandson Sawyer, all of Estes Park.
A celebration of life barbecue will be held at his residence (1217 N. St. Vrain Drive in Lyons, on Saturday, July 13 beginning at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend and share stories.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the 10th Mountain Division (The Tenth Mountain Division Foundation Inc. 133 S. Van Gordon Street, Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80228.)
May you free fall through the skies, tear up the slopes and ride endless roads for eternity.
14 Entries
JR I've had John on my mind tried to call... Sorry to hear he left use...
Susan McCarty
December 13, 2014
Wait for us at the top, John. And thanks for being you.
Charlie Sanders
July 24, 2013
Big John and I worked ProPatrol at Hidden Valley in l978-79. He was bigger than life in person! But not so big that he didn't get slammed when he deployed his parachute after tucking Spruce ski run. Not sure what he thought would happen, but what a sight seeing him swept off his skis. Thanks for the memories. Will miss you, SusieO
Sue O"Connor
July 20, 2013
John... Something special to get to know you, work with you..truely a great guy.. you will be missed. I always looked forward to going Cooper and saying hello to you... the slopes will be quiet without you.. but will always know your there.. johnnymac
July 16, 2013
Big John was an amazing man. He lived so fully. He will always be an inspiration. I am glad to have known him. He was unique in so many ways. Blue skies, Big John.
Laura Hollenbaugh
July 15, 2013
Big John knew who he was and how to live. He was accepting and supportive of his friends, quiet but a force to be reckoned with. He was unique and inspiring. He was a truly incredible man.
Laura Hollenbaugh
July 15, 2013
Big John, you were a lifeforce and a man Maria and I greatly admired and respected. and we again thank you for the incredible support you gave us at our DZ in Colorado. Fly Free.
steve and maria woodford
July 15, 2013
John was an inspirational to everyone to do the most exciting thing THAT day. Living in the moment was a lesson to all. He will be miss.
Caren Carlson
July 12, 2013
No one lives forever, except in our hearts, You were one of a kind and a legend, Fly free John.
Brendan McHugh
July 12, 2013
John was well respected for his contribution to the memory and history of those WWII Veterans of the 10th Mountain Division. he will not be forgotten! Sempre Avanti!
Larry Morrison
July 11, 2013
What a loss!! Dewain and Katharine (Dolcater) Lockwood
July 11, 2013
John, I'm wishing you endless runs of powder, forever blue sky diving, and as many new outdoor adventures as you want! Your focus and dedication to the things you enjoyed in life is truely inspirational to all of us.
Beverly Diederich
July 11, 2013
A true legend ! Rest in Peace my friend...
Karen Kasch
July 11, 2013
Big John, you will be truly missed but never forgotten. I had the pleasure of working at Hidden Valley Ski Area with Big John in the late 70's early 80's.
RaNae Bakel
July 10, 2013
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