Gordon Lee Duffin

He was born in Richfield, Utah on January 09, 1923 and spent his formative years there with his mother and six brothers and sisters. He was a notable athlete during high school participating in football and track. He attended Cedar City College prior to enlisting in the service in 1943.

During World War II, Gordon served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a fighter pilot flying F4U Corsairs in the Pacific theater. Having parachuted into enemy territory and avoiding capture, he was a member of the Caterpillar Club. He was awarded three Air Medals, American Campaign, World War II Victory Medal, and the National Defense Medal.

Happily returning to Utah after the war, Gordon returned to school earning his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Utah and married the love of his life, Lucille Hosman.

They relocated to Omaha, Nebraska in 1948 where Gordon completed his Master’s Degree at the University of Omaha and taught in the Omaha public schools. In 1952 Gordon began a 20-year career in the restaurant industry by purchasing the Garden Cafeteria in downtown Omaha. It was in Omaha that he raised his family of 4 children. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and the Tangier Temple of the Shrine.

In 1971 Gordon moved to Del Mar, California where he pursued a number of interests including boat building, computer programming, and real estate.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille, children David H. Duffin, Peggy Bottorf, Mary Kay Tomlinson (Steve), and Ann Moore (Gary), 19 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

His family and friends remember him as a compassionate man who was intelligent, fair, and able to solve any type of problem. Above all, he was a gentleman and an honest man to the core.

A family service was held on November 29 at Eternal Hills Chapel in Oceanside, CA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in his honor to San Diego Hospice or a

charity of your choice. Please sign the guest book at www.mem.com.