Gordon A. Simon

Gordon A. Simon, beloved husband, loving father, and grandfather left this world on August 16, 2013 in Fort Collins, CO. Born September 14, 1930 in Mandan, ND to Nicholas & Julianna Simon; he attended schools in Mandan, graduating from high school in 1948. The next year he enlisted in the US Navy, and was stationed in Pensacola, FL where he served on the aircraft carrier USS Cabot until 1951. Gordon was recalled for naval duty in 1952 during the Korean conflict. He served on the destroyer USS Marshall and the Vulcan-class repair ship USS Ajax stationed off of Japan, and completed his tour of duty in 1953. On February 3, 1951, he married his wife, Lila Schneider, of Bismarck, ND; they were married for 62 years. After returning from the service, Gordon went on to earn a degree in cartography from Bismarck Junior College. He was employed with Chevron Oil & Gas in Bismarck - later transferring with them to Casper, WY. While in Casper, he later worked for Kerr McGee, Barlow & Hahn, and USGS; retiring in 1993 from the BLM. Gordon and Lila moved to Fort Collins in 2006. Gordon's humor, quick wit, and art of storytelling won him the love of all who knew him. He always made life a little bit brighter. In addition to his humor, he instilled a love of reading to anyone who witnessed his zealous appetite for books. Gordon also enjoyed amateur photography, capturing lovely scenes on film. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings;; Dale Simon, Bernice Eckroth, and June Simon. Gordon will be missed deeply by his survivors: his wife, Lila, and his four children; Sandra Curtiss of Ft. Collins, Kent Simon of Lander, WY, Ronald Simon of Morrison, CO and Barbara Gmeiner of Missoula, MT. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, they include: Riley and Koby Curtiss of Ft. Collins, Matthew Simon of Chapel Hill, NC, Lee Simon of Worland, WY, Sara Simon of Princeton, NJ, Luke Simon of Morrison, CO, and Emily and Cassidy Gmeiner of Missoula, MT. Gordon had many nieces and nephews who he leaves behind as well. Services will be held at St. Patrick's Church on Friday Aug. 23, at 10:30 a.m. Also, a rosary and remembrance will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Newcomer Funeral Chapel. Donations can be made to Hospice, Humane Society and Northside Food Bank, or the charity of your choice.