Gordon Schmidt

Obituary for
Gordon John Paisley Schmidt

Gordon John Schmidt, a charismatic, intelligent and much beloved man left this world on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. Gordon was born in San Francisco, California on August 6, 1936 and was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. He married his childhood sweetheart and eternal companion -"my bride" - Betty Joy Groves Schmidt on September 23, 1955.

Those who knew and loved him will fondly remember his kindness, his generosity, his smile, and the paradox of his gentle nature and Marine Corp "gung ho" warrior spirit. His physical strength and prowess (until the past few years) are legendary among his children. Countless friends and family members were blessed by his diversified skills as a handyman and his willingness to serve whenever and wherever needed. He loved nature in its grandeur and its small creatures, especially bunnies and birds. He was a proud American whose blood ran red white and blue. And he thrilled to the pipes of Scotland, one of his ancestral lands. His collection of books continued to grow right up to his last week of life.

After a myriad of jobs starting as a paper boy at the age of 7, Gordon enjoyed a 26 year career with the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company where he excelled in a myriad of management, leadership and sales positions. He was a reservist with the U.S.Navy SeaBees and later with his beloved United States Marine Corp Reserves.

When recently asked by one of his granddaughters what things had brought him the most happiness in his life his response was "First, my family and second, serving in the Church." He served both with deep hearted passion. He served in many leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having joined the Church in 1964.

Surely his passion for family was demonstrated as he attended birthdays, baptisms, weddings, graduations and other celebratory events, constantly offering his love, support and wisdom. His children and many of his grandchildren and great grandchildren were the recipients of many inspired and comforting priesthood blessings.

He is survived by his loving wife Betty Joy, children Julie Anne Masters, Craig Bradley Schmidt (Bunney), Rebekah Lynn Ludeman (John), Lorelei Danielle Schmidt, Paul Brennan Schmidt (Susan), Elizabeth Ann Schmidt and Jon Cory Schmidt, 40 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his younger brother Paul Alvin Schmidt, his son David Gregory Schmidt, his granddaughter Sariah Jane Wheeler, his niece Sabrina Keller, and his nephews Kevin Schmidt and Steven Schmidt.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the Suncrest LDS 9th Ward, 140 North 400 West, Orem, UT. There will be a visitation from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Orem Cemetery.