Gordon H. Gilchrist

Gordon Harold Gilchrist was born on 26 January 1933, living over 92 years until 25 February 2025. Gordon is preceded in death by his wife Judith Jensen Gilchrist, 1933-1973, (mother of his 4 biological children), his parents, Russell L. Gilchrist, 1905-1978, Geneva Helen Jefts Gilchrist, 1911-1996, sisters Marcella Gilchrist Cady, 1935-2011, Pauline Luella (Polly) Gilchrist Montague, 1937-1977, Plyna (Pug) Gilchrist Hardwiche, 1943-1986, very close uncle Harry B. (Burt) Marble, 1901-1996, and aunt June H. Marble, unknown-1992, and childhood friend (like a brother) Fritz (Frederick Thomas) Kehr, 1931-2023. Surviving family members include his brother Jack Gilchrist, Gordon’s current wife, M. Gayle Gilchrist, biological daughters, Jan Thomas, Gail Gilchrist, and Leslie Gilchrist, and son Jon Peter Jensen Gilchrist, Gayle’s (James Cornelius Simpson’s biological) daughters, Jeri Simpson Braun (stepdaughter), and Rebecca J. Simpson Gilchrist Marquardt (Gordon Adopted), grandchildren, Jan’s line, Dr. Leighton Thomas, her children Graeme Thomas Jones and Emery Thomas Jones, and Jordan Thomas, daughter Henri Rutherford, Leslie’s line daughters Cassiday and Abigail Altierie, and son Cory DiNoia and his children Crystal Altieri and CJ DiNoia, Jeri’s line, daughter Emily Rector, and sons James Braun, his son James Braun, and Derek Braun, his daughters Kylie Griffith (step),and Maci-Lynn Braun, Jon’s line, Alexandra Gilchrist, twins Amber Autumn Faebrooke, and Ellie Gilchrist, Izaak Gilchrist, and Rebecca’s line, husband Fred Marquardt, their son Grant Marquardt and daughter Jeana Marquardt. Gordon married Judith (Judy) Jensen (1953-1973), prior to joining the Army in 1954. She tragically died after a courageous cancer battle, leaving Gordon widowed with 4 children (ages 8-17). In 1975 Gordon married M. Gayle Somerville Simpson, a widow, with two daughters. Gordon and Gayle celebrated their 50th anniversary, 3 January 2025. Gordon was an Army cook stationed in Germany (1955-1956). He often used his Army cooking skills for Methodist Church pancake fundraisers, Gordon taught in Marshall, MI. He also graduated from Central Michigan University (CMU), Mt. Pleasant, MI, with both a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree. He was a CMU Associate Professor for 29 years (Industrial Education and Technology Department). Gordon was CMU’s 1st Facility Association President. Annually he led CMU students to construct CMU biology and dorm buildings at Beaver Island, MI. Designing and building were his passion. He built a house, barn and multiple sheds that stored his ever growing “treasure” stockpiles. He built “Bugs Ear”, a small houseboat, which he and Gayle took down the Mississippi. He built a log cabin on his Stevenson Lake MI property, in exact dimensions of President Lincoln’s childhood home. He enjoyed raising domesticated animals and bought his first chickens at age 6. He raised pigeons over 50 years and was a respected pigeon breeder and show judge. Gordon and Gayle enjoyed raising animals and night woodpecker watching (family joke), at their Mt. Pleasant, MI farm. Annually, on Palm Sunday, Gordon and his donkey “Ace” walked up the sanctuary aisle while the choir sang. No, Ace never made a mess! Gordon enjoyed traveling; he toured Germany and Europe with his wife Judy, while stationed in Germany, where their first daughter Jan was born. He and his wife Gayle also enjoyed traveling. Their trips included 49 states in the USA, often in a pickup truck camper he built. They traveled abroad to Canada, Scotland, Austria, Germany, and Africa. In lieu of flowers, you may choose to donate to the American Heart Association, or Woodand Hospice House, Mt. Pleasant, MI (https://mymichigan.org/conditions-treatments/HomeCare/hospice-michigan/) A Memorial Service will be held at the Farwell Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Visitation will begin at 12 noon with services led by Minister Kevin Smith to start at 1 P.M. A luncheon will follow at the Gilmore Church of Christ in Farwell. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Gordon H. Gilchrist

January 26, 1933 - February 25, 2025