Gordon Hoopes Goodsell, "Ted" passed away March 6, 2002 at American Fork Hospital from a stroke.
He was born August 15, 1917 the eighth child of Albert Eugene Goodsell and Annie Melissa Hoopes Goodsell. He grew up in Weston, Idaho, where he graduated in 1935 from Weston High School. Gordon worked his way through the University of Idaho and graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1939. After a brief stint with the Department of Agriculture he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp right before Pearl Harbor in November, 1941. He served in the South Pacific, was wounded while being stationed at a small island, Pelilieu, but returned to his division for further service. He received a Purple Heart for his injury. After the Pacific campaign was completed, Captain Goodsell was reassigned to the U.S. Military Contingent in Berlin where he assisted the German farmers in rebuilding their economy. Married Gertrude Lillian Haynes "Monty" on April 8, 1948, in the Logan LDS Temple. They lived in Virginia, California, Colorado and eventually settled in American Fork in 1958. Gordon worked for the Bureau of Reclamation and retired from government service in 1974. He was a general partner in an investment company that he organized in the late 1950's. He continued to work the family farm in American Fork until 1999. He was a High Priest in the LDS Church, serving for 27 years as ward financial clerk for various wards. He was a member of the American Fork Civic Chorus and always participated in the ward choir. Gordon's philosophy of life can be summed up as he wrote in his family history: "For me, life has been, and is good. I have certainly had many unusual experiences and the good health that enabled me to endure or enjoy them, whichever was required."
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude, daughter Marci Rae, parents, brothers Orval, Wylie, Merlin, Lowell, Lynn, Lee, Max, and sister Norma.
He is survived by children: James Lowell, Janet Lynn (Craig) Keller, Mark Haynes (Diana) and Brent Haynes (Sheri); 14 grandchildren, sisters Veda Fellows and Ines McFadden, brother Phill Goodsell (Joy). Friends may call at Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the American Fork Developmental Center Chapel to visit with Gordon's family.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 11, 2002 at 10 a.m. at the American Fork 9th & 12th Ward Chapel, 673 E. 300 N. Interment in Weston Cemetery, Weston, Idaho, under the direction of Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 E. 100 N., American Fork. In lieu of flowers send donations to Huntsman Center for Cancer Research (2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112).