Gordon "Gordy"'s Obituary
Gordon Edward Swanson, 61, died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife, Jodi Erwin Swanson, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Great Falls, Montana.
Gordon (Gordy) was born on July 8 in Manilla, Philippines. He was, however, a Californian through and through, loving the sun, sand, and surf. If it seemed strange for Gordon to move to Montana, one only had to know his love for Jodi and her passion and desire to return to her home state. In fulfilling this wish, Gordy spent his final few years under the Big Sky. Later this summer, Jodi wishes to take him back home to California, the place he loved dearest.
Gordon had early ties to Montana, having spent time here in his youth. Marrying Jodi was a natural fit in many ways. Gordon was devilishly handsome, with charisma and charm to match. He also had an infectious personality, including a wonderful sense of humor and razor-sharp wit. Gordy was the life of any party and was a gentle soul, a deep thinker, and thoughtful. He was a committed caregiver to his best friend and wife, Jodi, who has experienced significant health issues in recent years.
Gordon received his Dr. of Chiropractic from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in Whittier, California. He was retired at the time of his passing.
Gordon was a man of many passions and talents that encompassed all the physical senses. He explored all aspects of life with gusto, sight/smell/hearing/taste; Gordon loved life.
He was an avid photographer, having been published. Additionally, he was what can only be described as a "foody." He loved to experience new and exciting foods in his travels, researching recipes, and as an accomplished home chef in his own right. Gordy loved all kinds of music. He was an enthusiastic listener of live and recorded music and tinkering with his guitar. He loved traveling, hiking, and the ocean, but most of all, he loved his wife, Jodi, and his faithful dog, Luc.
Gordy and Jodi married on June 18, 2000, and never looked back. They were truly bonded "soul mates;" not perfect, but perfect for each other! To quote Jodi- "Everybody loved Gordon. He could make me laugh like no one could make me laugh." Humor was a big part of their life together. Jodi recalls Gordon telling her lovingly what beautiful eyes she had. Returning his gaze, she said to him that "his eyes sparkled like a cesspool." As typical, a tender moment followed by great laughter, this was their relationship.
Together, they shared a love of traveling to places like Greece, France, the UK, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Monaco, the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, and Canada.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Harry Swanson and Helen Swanson and his stepmother, Fran Swanson. He is survived by his wife, Jodi Erwin Swanson; faithful dog, Luc of Great Falls; son, Joshua David Swanson of Portland, Oregon; stepdaughter, Tahnee Alyss (Kevin) McHenry of Magnolia, Texas, and their children, Emmett Luc and Nolan Frey McHenry; stepson, Toren Rawlins (Amanda) Halseth of Santa Clarita, California, and their children, Ella Sue and Rahlynn Grace Halseth; siblings, Paul (Ruth) Swanson, Richard (Karen) Swanson, Robert (Marilyn) Swanson, and Janice Pust, all from California; many nieces and nephews throughout the US; various in-laws of Great Falls; and too many friends in California to mention, but all equally loved.
Jodi would like to thank the staff of Benefis Hospital, the Heart Rehabilitation staff, the Cardio Care and Physical Rehabilitation staff, and especially Dr. Shawn Kelly (Cardiologist); Dora (Nurse); Marcus Thune (Occupational Therapist); Brooke LaBreche (ICU Nurse); and Jordan Schneider (Nurse) for their kind and loving care of Gordon over the past months and in his final days, as well as the comfort they provided to Jodi and family.
There are no local services planned. A celebration of Gordon's life will be announced at a later date and place to be held in California.
