Final Salute

Gordy was born in Brainerd, Minnesota and graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1951. He enlisted in the Navy as a Seabee and after serving his country, returned to MN where he completed two years of community college before heading to Nevada, driving his Nash Rambler cross-country with his older sister Pat. In 1957 he graduated from UNR with a degree in Business Administration. He later earned a Master’s of Public Administration from USC.

Gordy remained a distinguished public servant for over 37 years, including 10 years between Southern and Northern California. In 1959 he was hired as Nevada’s first Budget Analyst and later spent 23 years as the Chief Personnel Officer of the Department of Human Resources, serving through 6 directors, before his retirement in 1996.

While at UNR, Gordy met Carol Beeson. They married in 1959 and enjoyed nearly 60 years together. They welcomed their two daughters, Loni and Wendy, while living in Eureka, California. Gordy and his family returned to Carson City for good in 1970.

After retirement, Gordy and Carol traveled throughout the world and frequently visited their daughters and their families in Montana and Nevada. Beginning in 1973, he attended every Nevada Day parade, with only 1 exception. Gordy was always steady and reliable. He kept regularly-scheduled weekly phone calls with his family for many, many decades. For 15 years, he was a fixture in Loni’s booth at the Carson Farmers Market, and he enjoyed Sunday dinner at Loni and Rob’s for the past 8 years. He took great pleasure in being a good neighbor, providing for his family, and working in his yard. He charcoal-grilled the Thanksgiving turkey long before it was the thing. Gordy was an avid sports fan, following Nevada athletics, 49ers football, and NHL hockey. Not only was Gordy a cherished husband and father, he was a wonderful father-in-law and grandpa.

Gordy passed away peacefully, in the loving presence of Loni and Wendy, and grandson, Daniel. He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Carol (2019). He is survived by his sister, Pat Chase, and his daughters and their families, Loni and Rob Holley of Dayton, NV and Wendy and Les Rispens of Belgrade, Montana. Grandchildren are Daniel, Caleb and Anna Holley, Samantha Rispens, Kassidy (Rispens) and Casey Conlon, and great-grandson Archer. Gordy is also survived by a nephew and 4 nieces.

Gordy’s family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Eden Hospice for their care and compassion during the final days with his family.