Phillip Lee Gordon
courtesy photo
Phillip Gordon
BOZEMAN — Phillip Lee Gordon of Ronan, passed away on Dec. 15, 2015, at his daughter’s residence in Bozeman, following a brief battle with cancer. He was 76.
Phil was born July 24, 1939, in Springfield, Ohio, to Charles H. and Gladys B. Gordon. He resided in New Carlisle and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1957 where he excelled in football and basketball. He received his undergraduate degree from Florence State University, (now Northern Alabama University) where he played baseball.
Phil began his work career as a teacher in Douglas, Arizona. There he met Elaine Scott from Benson, Arizona, whom he married on Dec. 10, 1965. That same year they moved to Arroyo Grande, California, where Phil continued teaching in the San Louis Obispo School System while pursuing and earning his Master’s Degree from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo.
In 1979, Phil moved his family to Ronan, where he established his own business, 3-D Excavation. He ended his working career with the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project.
Phil loved Montana and the outdoor life experiences it offered. He especially loved the mountains and the challenges of hunting. He referred to this outdoor environment as his church. He also loved golf. Upon his retirement, he and Elaine moved to a townhouse located along the ninth fairway of Ronan’s beautiful golf course. Shepherding the area is the majestic Mission Mountain Range. He loved the view.
Phil’s parents precede him in death.
He is survived by his immediate family: his wife of 50 years, Elaine; his daughter, Gwen and son-in-law Chris Lottman of Bozeman; his son, Kirt and daughter-in-law, Chellie of Somerton, Arizona; and his two grandchildren, Marlo and Winston Lottman. His brothers, Richard (wife, Kay) of Medway, Ohio, and Stephen (wife, Diana) of Enon, Ohio also survive him. In addition, he leaves a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Cards and letters can be sent to the family in care of Gwen Lottman, 3025 Nelson Road, Bozeman, MT, 59718. Private family services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Phil’s name to Bozeman Health Foundation (memo line: Hospice) 931 Highland Blvd. Suite 3200, Bozeman, MT, 59715 or at bozemanhealthfoundation.org.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service (www.dokkennelson.com).
