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William J. Gordon
1942 - 2023
William J. Gordon
1942 - 2023
Obituary
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William Gordon Obituary
March 10, 1942 ~
April 15, 2023
Bill Gordon passed away of congestive heart failure on April 15, 2023 with his family by his side.
Born March 10, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to Jack Gordon and Nancy Novak, Bill spent his childhood on the south side of Chicago and would later attend Purdue University where he received both his undergraduate and master's degree in civil engineering. Shortly after marrying Jean Wallace Gordon on June 22, 1968 they relocated to SLC where Bill would pursue his career in civil engineering and start his family. As a renowned engineer, Bill eventually opened his own company, Gordon Geotechnical Engineering, where he worked into his late seventies. He truly loved his profession, but his heart and soul belonged to his family & beloved grandchildren. Not a religious man, but lovingly referred to as Father Bill by his kids, he cherished time with family - most recently at Jackson Lake where he watched his grandkids grow up. He was an avid sport fan; from Golden Eagle Hockey & Gulls Baseball in the early days, to University of Utah Basketball and Football later on, he looked forward to those events. We're thankful that, with the help of his family & friends, he was able to attend many of his grandkids sporting events and Ute games as his health declined.
Bill is survived by his wife Jean Wallace Gordon, his son Keith Gordon (Mary), his daughters Karen Gordon and Kristen (Gram) Pizarro, and his grandchildren that he absolutely adored, Corinne, Zach, Noah, Ben, Max, and Ella. A special thanks to the staff of St. Joseph Villa for their love and support over the last couple of years, and the hospice staff that did their best to make him comfortable in his final days. Most important, a special thanks to his wife (our mom who we lovingly and appropriately refer to as Saint Jeannie) who, through regular visits to the care center, never lost sight of what it means to be loved and at home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at https://www.jdrf.org/donate.
A celebration of life will be forthcoming.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
BRYAN ROMNEY
June 8, 2023
My condolences at the loss of Bill. I knew Bill as a pioneer in the geotechnical engineering world. Having engaged Bill for many projects both in my professional practice as an architect and as managing architect for the University of Utah. Bill was always open to suggestions and alternative designs which said a lot about how he regarded other people. I'll miss his gentle spirit. Bryan M. Romney
Tom Buese
April 30, 2023
Bill was my consulting soils engineer for well over 30 years, & I never considered not working w/ him no matter how big or small the project was anywhere in the state of Utah.
Bill could always be trusted to give the best, most common sense advice on soil even w/o a soils report for a particular small project site.
I considered Bill a friend even though we only had a professional relationship, other than at Utes games!
RIP to a true gentleman & scholar.
Tom Buese, Architect
James Glascock, Architect
April 29, 2023
Bill was the best and most knowledgeable Geotech I have aworked with in my career as an architect. Over those 45+ years he was always willing to drop everything and come to a job site to analyze and solve any issue that came up. We became good friends and I have the greatest respect for him. The built environment is a better place for him being a part of it. I will miss him.
tod wadsworth
April 26, 2023
We called Bill the dirt God!
Smartest geotechnical professional of our time!
We will miss his chuckle and willingness to alway help you!
A great man
Tod Wadsworth
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Mike T.
April 26, 2023
To Bill's family:
It was my pleasure to meet Bill early in his career. He was an amazing Civil Engineer specializing in Soils Mechanics for large buildings. As a client, I witnessed his consummate professionalism and practical knowledge. Please know that he will always be remembered and respected!
T.M.
April 24, 2023
I´ve had the great honor of working with Bill on many projects all along the Watch front as well as Park City.
Bill has been and will continue to be a source of real knowledge to many, Bill completely understood the very complex native soils that flowed from the mountains that surround us and into the valleys throughout the eons of time. Soil that has been deposited where it has sat for another eon, only to be dug up, built on, manipulated, hauled in, hauled out, bought, sold and even given away.
Bill was a complete wiz at his game! One who offered his knowledge to any and all who paid attention to the lessons. Rest In Peace my friend and please know that many others have a better understanding of our world because of you. You will truly be missed.
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