Leslie Gordon

Leslie James Gordon Buster One Wednesday, July 11, 2007, Les Buster Gordon died after a heroic battle against cancer. He was 55 years old. Les was born April 5, 1952 in Murray, Utah to Arval Park and Ruth Garfield Gordon, the fifth of seven children. He spent his early childhood years in Draper, Utah then moved with his family to Wendell, Idaho to live and work on a dairy farm. They later moved back to Sandy, Utah. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1970. He married his sweetheart and best friend, Kathy Diane Blight, April 26, 1973, and their adventure together began. They lived in Taylorsville the last 30 years where they raised their family. Les was a trucker and proud of it. He worked every facet of the trucking business for over 35 years, from dockworker to line driver to freight supervisor. He started his career at P.I.E. and ended at FedEx Freight. He loved his work, especially when he could share his knowledge of the industry. He demanded excellence and believed success was measured only by how much effort was given. Les excelled at the game of golf. He played with all his heart every time he picked up a club. He won the Rio Grande Mens Association championship and several other local amateur tournaments over the years, but his greatest pleasure was just in teeing it up with Beau, Gary, Bill, Jimmie, Scott, Ronnie, or Kathy. Les also enjoyed playing craps. He and Kathy took many trips to Wendover, Vegas and Jackpot where most of the dealers knew him by name. He loved camping, fishing and Dutch oven cooking. His delicious recipe for Dutch oven spuds is a staple in our family camping trips and parties. The most important thing to Les was family. The bond he shared with Kathy will endure forever. His sons, Beau and Brett and his daughter, Starr, are the roses of his life. He was their biggest supporter and the rock they leaned on. He loved their spouses, Brenda, Kristy and Michael, and he cherished his little grandchildren, Annie Rose and Thomas James. Les is survived by many who loved him: his wife, Kathy, who will miss him more than words can express; children: Beau and Brenda Gordon, Brett and Kristy Gordon, Starr and Michael van der Wekken; grandchildren: Annie and Thomas Gordon; dearest siblings: Bill and Terri Gordon, Chris Robinson and Gary Eccles, Sam and Sharlia Gordon, Linda Ilene Stone, Pat and Larry Crystal and Dan and Angie Gordon; his sweet stepmother, Barbara Gordon; his special in-laws, who loved him as their own: Parley and Elaine Blight, Karen and Dennis Greer, Lauren and Terry Christensen and Vince Blight; multiple loving nieces and nephews and other extended family; special friends: Gary and Colleen Stevenson and Bill and Helen Williams. He was preceded in death last year by both of his parents. Many were touched by Less strength, friendship and positive outlook. He was a decent and straightforward man who made a friend wherever he went. Our special thanks to his friends at Huntsman Cancer Institute, especially Dr. Saundra Buys, whom he trusted above all others; also Carolyn, Jayne, ALisha, Jenn, Sandy, Dr. Stephenson, Allie and many others. He said their care almost made him forget about his illness. The family would also like to thank the Taylorsville Police and Fire Departments for their efforts in saving him. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 17, 2007, 10:00 a.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood where a viewing will be held Monday, July, 16, 2007, 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, 9-9:45 a.m. prior to services. Please dress casually, in golf clothes if you have them. He would like that. There I go, turn the page.