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Gordon R. Wirt

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Elizabethtown High School Murray State University

Gordon Wirt Obituary

WIRT, Gordon R., 53, of Saron Drive in Lexington died Sat. evening, Feb. 28, 2004 at University of Kentucky Hospital following a hot air balloon flying accident. Born in East Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of the late Robert Paul and Ethel Hannah Spice Wirt of Middletown, Ohio. He was a 1969 graduate of Elizabethtown High School in Elizabethtown, Ky. and graduated in 1973 from Murray State University in Murray, Ky. with a degree in Business Administration. While at Murray he was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, and was a volunteer and lieutenant in the Calloway County Fire and Rescue Squad. He worked in the retail industry most of his life, beginning with Dollar General Stores while in high school. After college he worked 16 years for Roses Stores, Inc. headquartered in Henderson, NC. He then worked for several office supply stores including Office Depot, Office One and OfficeMax before taking a position with GNC stores where he served as Regional Manager with stores in 3 states. Currently, he was an independent Sales Representative for Aflac Supplemental Insurance. He and his former wife Norma Evans Wirt began volunteering as balloon crew for hot air balloon pilots in the Louisville, Ky. area in 1977. In 1984, they purchased their own balloon and both took their pilot's training with Chuck Ehrler of the Balloon Odyssey Company in Louisville, and balloon pilot Jay Phillips. Even after their divorce years later, they continued to balloon together with their two daughters. Gordon was a long time member of the Balloon Society of Kentucky, and the balloon Federation of America. He has flown in hot air balloon competitions in 6 states including the National Championship Competitions in Middletown, Ohio. Earlier this week, he had purchased a second hot air balloon but never got to fly it. Survivors include his wife Cynthia Jarvis Wirt and her two children Meredith and Andy Jarvis, his two daughters Melissa Gail and Maria Gail Wirt and former wife Norma Evans Wirt, all of Lexington, his two sisters Bonnie Mae Scott of Lucas, Ohio, Betty Louise Wolfe and her husband George of Simsbury, CT, and his brother David Paul Wirt and his wife Pamela of West Chester, Ohio. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and his long time friends Jim Rafferty of Paducah, Ky., Mike Fuqua of Rockfield, Ky., Jim Howell of Jeffersonville, In., and Jay Phillips of Louisville, Ky. Besides his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by two older brothers Richard Edwin and Douglas William who both died when they were toddlers, and brother-in-law Dale Scott. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 pm Tues. followed by a Memorial Service at 8 pm at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Main Street. Memorial contributions are suggested to an educational fund for his two daughters. Please send contributions to "Wirt Children's Fund" at the Bank One Banking Center, 1121 Nandino Blvd., Lexington, Ky. 40511. Guestbook at Legacy.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Mar. 1, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Wirt

Sponsored by Norma Evans Wirt.

38 Entries

Kimberly Mazza

June 15, 2007

So upset to hear about gordon's passing. He was an amazming man and father to his girls! I will never forget the days he spent with Maria & I playing around, and teaching us about ballooning! He will be missed very very much! You are forever in my prayers! <3

AnneMarie and Brad Helms

March 1, 2007

Brad and I were sad to hear of Gordon's death. I am glad he was doing what he loved to do. I will remember that wonderful smile and laugh. Gordan and Norma and Brad and I were sent to LaFollette TN to open a new Roses Department store. Both Norma and I arrived in Tennessee in our last trimester of pregnancy.

We shared time together in Childbirth classes for our first children- Melissa for Gordon and Norma; Jes for Me and Brad.That was in 1980 in LaFollette, TN.

Both Norma and Gordon had this vivacious attitude about LIVIVG to the fullest. I love that about them.

Gordon will be missed. His approach lit up the room. Brad enjoyed working with Gordon very much!

We are glad our paths crossed. We hope to be and stay in touch--again.

With sincere sympathy,

Amy & Jonathan O'Geary

March 20, 2004

We were so sorry to hear about Gordon. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Catherine Barnard (Cook)

March 15, 2004

I am one of those cousins who never got to know Gordon as we each went out on own ways as we grew, but my son Donald remembers he stayed a week with Gordon and his family as a little boy before we moved to California in 1963.

I would imagine that he is up there in that hot air balloon watching over his family and telling them that "All is well"

Catherine Barnard, cousin

Matt Deitchle

March 7, 2004

Gordon was truly one of a kind. He hired me at OfficeMax and I had the honor of working with him for about 2 years. I am truly shocked to hear of his passing.

Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Dee White

March 5, 2004

To the Wirt Family: We were shocked and saddened when we heard about Gordon's death.We all really enjoyed talking to him when he came in to get a hair cut at the barbershop.He was always so positive and up-beat!We will miss him and keep the family in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, "The Staff at Archer's Barber Shop"

Sarah Sizemore

March 5, 2004

Norma, my thoughts are with you and your family.

Deepest Sympathy,

Sarah

MARY BOOTS

March 4, 2004

GORDON WIRT WAS ONE OF THE KINDEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET. I WORKED FOR GORDON AT OFFICEMAX AND WILL NOT FORGET HIS HUMOR, KINDNESS AND DEEP DOWN GOODNESS.

Nancy Kidwell

March 3, 2004

My sincerest sympaythy, Norma, to you, your daughters, and the entire family.

Nancy Kidwell

Rodney Benbow

March 3, 2004

Hi Norma,

I am writing to pay my respects to you Melissa and Maria. This is former neighbor Rodney Benbow who now resides in Atlanta. My mom told me about Gordon. He was a good man and a good friend and I want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Contact my mom and she will give you my phone number and address. My heart goes out to you, your family and Gordon's family.

Rodney Benbow

March 3, 2004

Sharon Campbell

March 2, 2004

Cynthia,

I am so sorry to hear of your husband's tragic accident. You were on our prayer list at church Sunday. Please know that even though you've been gone from Prestonsburg for a while, you still have friends here that think of you and have you in our hearts. If you visit here, please call or come and see me. If I can do anything for you and your family during this trying time please let me know.

I think of you and your children and all the good times we had together and can't beleive how time speeds by and how our lives change. Take care of yourself and again, I feel for you in your time of sadness.

Sharon

Jill Osborne

March 2, 2004

Our deepest sympathy and prayers to your entire family. Jessamine County EMS

Dora Powell

March 2, 2004

My heart goes out to Mr. Wirts family. I knew him for only a short time but he touched my life indefinitely. May the Lord comfort you during this time. Oh... I almost forgot. Mr. Gordon, you have a call on line one! :0)

Dorothy Rapp

March 2, 2004

Norma,

My heart goes out to you and your girls. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dorothy

Vicki and John Hast

March 2, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Cynthia. Your friend, Vicki

Phillip & Charlotte Caudill & girls

March 1, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be truly missed he left a lasting impression on everyone he met especially all the children he let see his balloon basket and the ballon they he let they play with. The kids in the neighbor missed you all when you moved but always looked when they saw a hot air ballon and thought it might be him they are all quitely saddened by this news. Your friends from Cashel Court.

laura fortin

March 1, 2004

I want to say that i am deeply sorry to the whole wirt family. I've known the whole family for almost my whole life, & I was at the wedding when he married cynthia. I am shocked, and I want the family to know that I am here for them in anyway that I can help.

I love you Maria & Melissa -

Love ~ laura

barbara harper

March 1, 2004

Hi my name is Barbara, you don't know me but I worked with Gordon at GNC. He was a wonder man. He had just came by and seen me in December.

My prayers and wishes is with each one of you. We at GNC our going to miss him.

Teresa Fyffe

March 1, 2004

To the Family, I wish to express my deepest sympathy to all of you. I worked with Gordon at Walmart and still have the hot air balloon pin he designed for our store. May God comfort you in the days to come.

Linda Dawson

March 1, 2004

In those quiet moments in the still of the night

Remember to rejoice and celebrate life

Do not think of me gone and weep

I am not there, I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sunlight on the grain

I am the gentle autumn's rain

When you awaken in the morning hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in flight

I am the soft stars that shine

You will hear my gentle voice

and remember to rejoice

Never give up your fight

and remember always

to Celebrate Life....

Mary Sovey

March 1, 2004

My sympathies to Gordons family, while I never knew Gordon...I do know his love of the sport of ballooning. Gordon was a compliment to balloooning, in that he willingly and joyously shared this sport with all who had the desire to experience it. May the wonderful memories that all of you shared with Gordon, warm your hearts and bring you contentment. I ask that God hold you all in the hollow of his hand in your time of sorrow.God Bless you, Mary Sovey, fellow balloonatic

Tom Braemer

March 1, 2004

A fine man and gentleman.

It was truly a blessing to have known you.

You will be missed.

Mary Dionne

March 1, 2004

My husband, Ray, and I were stunnded to hear of Gordon's death. We were ballooning buddies, and have had the pleasure of knowing Gordon and Norma for several years. Our condolences to all remaining family members. We will miss Gordon.

Stephen and Sharon Foltz

March 1, 2004

Although we did not know Gordon or the family, our condolences are with you. All balloonists are family under the canopy.

Susan Westbrook

March 1, 2004

Norm, I was so sorry to hear about Gordon!

I will add Gordon's Name to our prayer list at church. If there is anything we can help you with, Please let me know.

I love ya

Susan

Bryan Collins

March 1, 2004

I am keeping you close in my thoughts and prayers.

Much love,

Bryan

Judy Hart

March 1, 2004

How much we have enjoyed being part of the 'team' - so many memories. We will miss you. Melissa & Maria, Norma, Cynthia, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Judy & Jerry

Mai Carter

March 1, 2004

Hi Norma-

It's me...Mai. My thoughts, and most of all, prayers go out to Mr. Wirt's family and you. I know how much all of you enjoyed the hot air balloon shows that you participated in. I pass on a hug to the girls and you. Stay strong and be blessed!

Mai

**Mr. Wirt doesn't need a hot air balloon now. He can see the beauty of it all from where he is.

Susan McDowell

March 1, 2004

I was in band with Gordon at Elizabethtown High School. We went on one date. My mother worked at Roses with him. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My husband died over ll years ago.

Jennifer Coomer

March 1, 2004

From an old neighbor on Cashel Ct.:

Gordon, you will be missed dearly. Although you are gone, you and your family are very much in my thoughts and prayers.

Jim Knepper

March 1, 2004

Gordon was my friend for many years and although we didn't see each other much, when we did it made my day happier. I will miss him and his gentle manner, Fly high my friend and touch the clouds as you so liked to do.

Bill & Kathy Thompson

March 1, 2004

Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We have very good memories of special ballooning times. May the warmth and friendships you've experienced through this sport help carry you through this difficult time.

We'll miss seeing Gordon when we come back to Kentucky to fly.

Gale Vinson

March 1, 2004

To Gordon's family:

I, Gale Kersey Vinson, graduated with Gordon from EHS and then we both attended Murray State University, and Gordon would frequently give me a ride from MSU to E-town on weekendsin that wonderful Plymouth or Dodge car with the push button gear shifts, I'll never forget that car. Although, we kept in contact for several years, I hadn't seen or spoken to him in a long, long time. I'm just devastated to hear of his death. He was such an enjoyable and fun person to be around, and I have very fond memories of him. I offer my deepest sympathy and earnest prayers to all of his family. (Norma, I remember meeting you several years ago at MSU Homecoming along with my husband, Charles.) Since it's probably close to impossible that I will be able to attend any of the services for Gordon, I want you all to know that my prayers and thoughts will be with you as you cope with this tragedy. Sincerely, Gale Vinson

Jim Howell

March 1, 2004

I am so sorry to hear of Gordon's death. We were such good friends throughout the years from college on. I have reflected back to 1970 at some of the things we have done and smiled many times. Things we did at work in Murray, the time the beer truck turned over in the ''78 snow and we dug up 300 cans of beer out of the snow, working for him through the holidays, the many many dinners I had shared with him, and day after day of laughter. I do not think I ever saw him that he did not give you that chuckling laugh of his. I was fortunate to have gotten to talk with him the two times Saturday before his flight. I know he will be missed by many.

Jim

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