Gordon Lamar Openshaw

Gordon Lamar Openshaw passed peacefully in his sleep at home on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Born August 15, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Leland and Olga (Bohn) Openshaw. Gordon grew up alongside his siblings Beverly (Leo) Miles, Maureen (Flash) Benson, Blaine Openshaw, and Karen (Brent) Jacobson. He graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City, where he enjoyed dancing and playing basketball.

Gordon married Jerrie Jean (McGinty), with whom he shared three children: Shanna (Gerald) Burton, Gordon Blake Openshaw, and Trina (Rodney) Stimmel. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Japan during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he began a year career with the Rio Grande Railroad, working in Salt Lake City, Grand Junction, and Pueblo, ultimately retiring as a terminal supervisor.

Never one to sit still-"You're put on this earth to work"-Gordon continued contributing to his community by working security at the Colorado State Fair and at District 60 sporting events. He finally stopped taking tickets at age 90, leaving coworkers and friends asking, "Why already?" Known affectionately as "Ope," he cherished the friendships he made in every chapter of his working life.

Outside of work, Gordon loved hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing cards-interests he proudly passed down to his daughters. He enjoyed trips to Cripple Creek and had hoped for one last visit "up the hill" with his grandson Roman, newly 21. "Hit a big one for us up there!"

Earlier in life, Gordon worked in landscaping and always took pride in tending his yard. He and Jerrie built a home in Westcliffe, where they looked forward to the quiet beauty of the Sangre de Cristos.

Determined-sometimes stubborn-Gordon believed in getting up and getting things done. He kept a gym membership until around age 90, swimming three to four times a week. That same determination helped him celebrate 35 years of sobriety in December 2025, standing as an inspiration to many. He continued driving until his 95th birthday in August 2025, choosing on his own that it was "time."

Before Trina and Rodney found each other later in life, Gordon was often her +1 at work and social events, "adopting" her friends and coworkers as his own. Lynne, Mindy, School Marm (Kim), Honey (Suzanne), Debbie Lynch, Kari, and Kristin all became recipients of his care, concern, and trademark words of wisdom.

His last 21 years were filled with the joy of being "Papa" to his youngest grandsons, Roman and Logan. He showed them a patience and tenderness he didn't always have time for in his younger years-changing diapers, attending sporting events and award ceremonies, and teaching both boys how to drive. Their bond was truly special.

Gordon is deeply missed by many, including dear friends Sharon Boggs, neighbor and "birthday buddy" Tony Bosley, and hairstylist and friend Shelby Perry. Family members holding his memory close include his sister Karen; daughters Shanna (Gerald) Burton and Trina (Rodney) Stimmel; grandchildren Justin (Tonya) Burton, Kallie (Kelly) Bennion, Blake Christian (Christine) Openshaw, Roman Stimmel, and Logan Stimmel; great granddaughter Kambria Bennion; great grandsons Bodie Burton, Gabriel, Gideon, and Gaius Openshaw; special niece Bonnie (Tom) Hauskenecht; and great niece Hollie Bates.

In his final years, physical limitations frustrated him-especially for a man who had worked with his hands his entire life. (Though secretly, he may have enjoyed having an excuse to skip shuffling cards.) We know he is now enjoying a steak dinner after 18 holes of golf, with a card game waiting for him later. Give Rolo a scrunch from all of us, tell Blake Hi and have a boogie with Mom.

Thank you, Pa-Papa-for the life you lived and the love you gave. Your "Gerts" will miss you.