Gordon Edward Panushka

After graduating from Macalester College with a degree in Journalism, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for six years.

His love of skiing brought him to Colorado where he managed an insurance claims office, financed large construction equipment, and worked as a claims adjuster until he retired.

He volunteered with the ski patrol at Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge ski areas for many years and skied until age 80.

Gordon’s other passions were family, woodworking, playing racquetball until age 80, photography, watercolor painting, sailing, cooking, the Vikings, the 49’ers, and the Broncos.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Connie, daughter Nicole (Carmine) Lonardo, stepdaughters Kristin Dagli, Kathy (Roger) Williams and Andrea Schwartz. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Carmine and Dominic Lonardo, Allison, Drake, and Reagan Dagli, and Emma Williams, as well as two brothers, Tom (Darlene) and Byron (Donna) Panushka.

Gordon is also survived by many other friends and family members, who loved his gentle and caring soul, kind heart, storytelling, and humor.

A memorial service will be held at Glennon Heights Mennonite Church, 11480 West Virginia Ave, Lakewood, CO 80226 on Saturday February 27, 2016 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, family asks that you consider a donation in his honor to the National Sports Center for the Disabled. Gordon was a life-long skier and spent many years as a volunteer ski patroller at A-Basin and Breckenridge Ski Resorts. He enjoyed sharing his love of skiing with others whether it was on the slopes or through his stories. In his honor, please consider providing the opportunity for others to share the joy he found through the sport by making a donation to NSCD.

Checks may be sent to:

NSCD

1801 Mile High Stadium Cir., Suite 1500

Denver, CO 80204

As an alternative, donations can also be made to the Collier Hospice Center, Lutheran Medical Center, 8300 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.