Gordon Dwight Purcell

On November 3, 1967, Gordon Purcell married Lorraine Reese. His mother, Ayeliffe Massey, gave them the best advice. She told them to figure things out together. They took her advice, and for the next 58 years Gordon and Lorraine figured life out together.

In the early years of their marriage, Gordon found work in the oil fields of WYO. Gordon and Lorraine now had a small family with 2 children, Dwight and Kim. They figured out early they wanted a nice community to raise their kids, so they moved to the Heber Valley. For many years, Gordon drove to work in Wyoming so his family could stay in the community they called home. He was a selfless man and always put the needs of his family over his own.

After the oil boom ‘dried up’ Gordon became a skilled heavy equipment operator. He was a proud member of Operators Engineer Local 3. He worked on Jordanelle Dam, Wetlands Restoration Project, I-15, The Girls Camp, and Upper Still Water Dam to name a few. Gordon was a hard worker and took pride in his work. He had an easy-going personality and was a lifelong friend to all he met. In 2008, Gordon was awarded Mentor of the Year, for his kindness and patience he showed while training new operators.

Gordon and Lorraine were blessed with 4 grandchildren in 4 years. They figured out that trading in the names dad and mom for the much more prestigious title of Pop and Gaug was a responsibility they didn’t take lightly. Of all the many things Gordon did in his life, being a Papa to Megan, Wayson, Parker and Zayne was his greatest accomplishment. These four children were so lucky to have Pop and Gaug in their lives. They rarely spent a boring day when they were all together. Many nights were spent by a campfire or fishing on Whitney Reservoir. They played cards, threw horseshoes and had epic airsoft wars. Pop taught his grandchildren life lessons by his example: work hard, treat people with kindness and respect, help others however you can, have gratitude, love animals, be patient and love your family unconditionally.

Pop was the kind of grandpa that bought all 4 grandkids BB guns (at the same time) and set up the perfect target on Gaug’s windchimes. He regularly took his grandkids to the movies and had them convinced that a Maverick hotdog was the best food in town.

The last few years brought many physical challenges to Pop, but he faced them all like a true warrior. He and Gaug had a motto, “One day at a time,” and that simple motto got them through some tough challenges. Pop never complained, never felt sorry for himself or asked why. He was grateful for all his Dr.'s and nurses, Home Health and Hospice care team. He looked at each day as a gift and taught those around him to do the same. He and Gaug figured out that there was joy in the small things: enjoying a sunset, growing tomatoes, watching Survivor and The Voice, putting together puzzles, meals with family and friends, but most important, just being together.

Pop and Gaug figured out how to be a loving and devoted couple that shared their love of life, compassion and kindness with everyone around them.

Our hearts broke on May 29, when we had to say goodbye to Pop. We are comforted knowing he is no longer in pain, and we will reunite with him again someday.

Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lorraine Purcell, son Dwight Purcell, daughter and son-in-law Kim and Wayne Foy, his beautiful grandchildren: Megan Purcell, Parker Purcell, Wayson Foy and Zayne Foy, siblings: Jerome and Jean Purcell, Deb and Dale Fisher, Colleen and Jim Guinn, brothers-in-law Mark Ransdell and Charles Gillard, honorary daughters Maria Bunch and Robbi Bigelow, many nieces and nephews and numerous kids that called him Pop, and finally, the most loyal four-legged companion, Maysie.

Gordon is proceeded in death by many close friends and dear family members.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Horse of Many Colors, a nonprofit organization that supported Gordon and Lorraine as he dealt with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Arrangements are in care of Crandall Funeral Home

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Gordon on Saturday, June 21, 4pm-6pm. Foy’s residence 1522 W 1200 N Heber, Utah 84032.