“Grandpa Gordon”
Our father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor and friend peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by all six of his children.
Gordon was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Jacob “Ed” and Ennis O’Very on April 2, 1931. He was a child of the depression, an adolescent of the war years and an adult of a post-war America. As such, Gordon would come to embrace the values of frugality, simplicity, independence, self-confidence, endurance, mercy and most importantly, love.
Gordon began his career in sales at the age of 15. He worked both behind the counter and going door-to-door. Although he was issued a call to serve as an LDS Missionary in Switzerland, he decided to instead enter the military draft and became a Marine. After two and a half years of military service, he returned to his life of selling and would spend nearly 50 years in the optical industry.
He married Norma Rae Houskeeper on September 26, 1956. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Gordon was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and cherished the opportunity of serving others in his neighborhood and community. Although firm in his love for the Savior, it was his kind and gentle service to others that spoke the loudest. His greatest joy came from serving his own family.
He is survived by his children, Catherine (David) Adamson of Sandy, UT, Gordon B. (Dorothy) O’Very, Jr of Vancouver, WA, Brian (Cathy) O’Very of Cottonwood Heights, UT, Bruce (JoLynn) O’Very of Wellsville, UT, Daniel (Jennifer) O’Very of Riverton, UT and Kristen (Bryan) Kossin of South Jordan, UT. He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and his two siblings. He was truly the “last man standing”.
A private family funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 4th at 11:00am at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy, UT. Due to current pandemic limitations regarding the size of gatherings, please join us online for the services by clicking on the blue "Watch Zoom Services" box to the right of Gordon's picture.
Sorry to hear the loss of your father Danny it is always hard to lose a parent we look at them like they will always be here and in a way they will be they are our guardian angels who watch over us as we
Sorry for you loss. We are aquainted with Danny. My wife new Danny from doctors office on 3900 South 1100 East. I kind of new him through my wife, but the last connection we had was I took his picture and provided him an Access Badge to be in the Tab Choir. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Bruce and JoLynn,
Sorry for your loss, I am sure he was proud of you and your family.
Deb Wood
We first met Gordon when we moved to Cottonwood Heights in 1980. We became fast friends with him and Norma, and served alongside them on many occasions. He was always so proud of his family and seemed to support them in all that they did. When visiting with him over the past few years it was always great to hear him talk about the kids and grandkids. He really enjoyed having some of his grandkids live with him. When the grandkids were living in his home he always had an extra spark in his eyes. We will really miss Gordon. The Ward family will miss this quiet giant of a man. His passing was a shock to us, but we are so happy he and Norma are with each other again. We pray for the Lord’s peace to be with all the family members at this time.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to all of you!
Love,
Frank and Sherri Murray
The Hancey family was always a huge fan of the O'Very family. Thank you all for always being part of our lives. Mike and I wish we could be there to support you at this time. We both loved your dad and mom very much. Love to each of you.
Mindy Hancey Hamblin
We are very sorry for your loss. Knowing that we will all be reunited again will bring comfort and peace to you and your family.
Our thoughts are with you during this very sad and difficult time.
Sending heartfelt condolences at the loss of a truly great father & grandfather.
Marc & Janice