Gordon Barnett O'Very, Sr.

"Grandpa Gordon"

Our father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor and friend peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by all six of his children on February 24, 2021.

Gordon was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Jacob "Ed" and Ennis O'Very on April 2, 1931. He was a child of the depression, an adolescent of the war years and an adult of a post-war America. As such, Gordon would come to embrace the values of frugality, simplicity, independence, self-confidence, endurance, mercy and most importantly, love.

Gordon began his career in sales at the age of 15. He worked both behind the counter and going door-to-door. Although he was issued a call to serve as an LDS Missionary in Switzerland, he decided to instead enter the military draft and became a Marine. After two and a half years of military service, he returned to his life of selling and would spend nearly 50 years in the optical industry.

He married Norma Rae Houskeeper on September 26, 1956. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Gordon was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and cherished the opportunity of serving others in his neighborhood and community. Although firm in his love for the Savior, it was his kind and gentle service to others that spoke the loudest. His greatest joy came from serving his own family.

He is survived by his children, Catherine (David) Adamson of Sandy, UT, Gordon B. (Dorothy) O'Very, Jr of Vancouver, WA, Brian (Cathy) O'Very of Cottonwood Heights, UT, Bruce (JoLynn) O'Very of Wellsville, UT, Daniel (Jennifer) O'Very of Riverton, UT and Kristen (Bryan) Kossin of South Jordan, UT. He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and his two siblings. He was truly the "last man standing".

A private family funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 4th at 11:00am at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy, UT. Due to current pandemic limitations regarding the size of gatherings, accommodations will also be made for on-line streaming of the service. Please visit www.larkincares.com to attend the services online or to leave a condolence for the family.

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Published by Deseret News from Feb. 27 to Feb. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gordon O'Very

Sponsored by Larkin Sunset Gardens - Sandy.

6 Entries

Gloy Jorgensen

March 13, 2021

Our family will always be indebted to Norma and Gordon. When Kat was young they attended every important event in her life plus helped set up Christmas presents that I had no talent to accomplish. They both meant a great deal to me and my daughters plus a grandson. Two truly loving and unselfish people. My best to the family who I’m sure will miss them very much.

Don Antczak

March 4, 2021

I loved yourFather and Mother they were a great addition to my friends. They were always willing to serve in any way possible and were always looking around the neighborhood for opportunities. they will be and are sorely missed . I am sorry for your loss but know it is just for a short time. May the Lord bless you and give you peace at this time. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your family. I am gratefull for the association we have had over the many years.

Kathleen Thompson

March 2, 2021

I feel so sad. Gordon was a big part of Jasons and my life. We loved Norma and Gordon so much. And Jason felt like he was one of you. And now they are together again. Sending love to each of you.

Rene Crawford. Joy Strong

Planted Trees

René Crawford

March 1, 2021

Gordon O’Very.. his beautiful obituary was spot on. He was my Bishop in my youth, and my very good friend after we both lost our spouses. We would exchange letters often, to cheer each other up. His reunion with Norma and all his friends and family had to have been grand! Love the O’Very family ♥
René Oniki Crawford

Rhea Yates Hyde

February 28, 2021

Dear Cathy,
What a shock to read of your dads passing.. we worked together at Standard Optical. I absolutely loved working for your Dad. You also had the sweetest mother. Remember, you and I were expecting our first born son’s on the same day? If I remember right, you had yours April 1st, I April 23rd! I know this is a name from over 40 years ago, but I wanted you to know how much I adored both your parents. May they both be the happiest, now that they are together ❤

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