My Heart goes out to you with the passing of Gordy.  It's hard to lose your life's partner, but you had many successful years together & you took faithful care of him to the end. His passing leaves an empty hole in your heart & life.  My prayers are with you.

Gordy had a great personality and he will be missed.  Always remember his love for family and friends.  That smile of his was contagious!  
Your life with Gordy and all the wonderful memories can help to heal your hearts.  Gordy is in Heaven and knowing that he loved the Lord will bring peace to you.
Our prayers for you all continue. 

I can picture Gordy fishing in Heaven with my dad.  He left a legacy that will not be forgotten.  Our most sincere sympathy and prayers.
(I just hope they are not dipping smelt) 

We were so sorry to hear about Gordy. We have so many fond memories of joining him to press cider, going to Lutefisk and crab feeds.  We thank God for him and You.  We are keeping you in our prayers. Peace to You.

We certainly lost a good man.  Gordy was always so friendly and always had a smile on his face.  We will all miss him.  May God give you all strength and prayers.

All of our members extend our condolences to your family on the lose of Gordy.  He was a wonderful family man and hard worker.   He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.  You can be proud of all his accomplishments and memories you all had.  We all are thinking and praying for you! 

Gordy leaves behind a legacy of Love.  What a stellar example of good neighbor and friend.  We appreciate your family and will miss his cheerful smile and positive presence.

One of my favorite memory's I had was what a great time we had riding around with grandpa on the four wheeler.  I also had fun we he took us fishing and I caught the first fish and the biggest fish.  I will miss you a ton and love you lots. ❤️ 

Part 2
When Mom had her heart attack and I came to take care of you, as trying as it was some days, was one of the biggest blessings.  We had some fun times together.  I took you and Uncle Ronnie on some fun outings.  I remember we thought we lost your teeth, and the butter dish was just on-top of them.  Not sure why you would take your false teeth out to eat, even Uncle Ronnie would give you grief for that.  LOL.
I know you loved Mom, My self and Mike with all your heart.  You gave us an amazing life. I loved growing up on the farm, In the house that you grew up in. You taught us how to ride the Minibike, 3 Wheelers, and 4 Wheelers.  I worked in the warehouse and on occasion would pick up wind falls if the juice apple prices were good.  You loved your German Shepherds (AKA Police Dogs) so much.  
I think that I have taken after you in my life, having a big heart and friendly to everyone I meet.  I did have the greatest role model.
I love you Daddy and miss you.  I hope you are Enjoying Heaven free of pain, and catching all the fish you can catch. 
Love,
Your Little Prune (Robin)



Part 1
Dad,
Or as I like to call you FATHER!  You have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know, and always so friendly to everyone you met.  
Your love for fishing was very strong.  You taught Mike and I how to fish early on, even though I was more into getting suntan on the boat, I did enjoy fishing and catching fish, just didn’t like peeing in the bucket, because we didn’t stop until we had our limit, or it was dark.  I loved all the family vacations up to Campbell River, Canada fishing.  I also remember the Family Road trip to Disney Land, (because you didn’t like to fly).  
You were my biggest fan especially when it came to sports.  I think you only missed a couple of games because you would have had to fly, or the weather didn’t permit you to go.  You were at YVC when I had one of my best games. <3 
When I was young, I remember you and mom having the discussion you wanted a new boat and mom wanted an in-ground pool.  You got your new boat and named it “Jan’s Pool”.  A year later mom got her pool and I joked and said maybe we should name the pool “Gordy’s Boat”.  You didn’t go in the pool to much but when you did you didn’t like to dip your head under water.  


One of my favorite memories with Gordy is when the Seahawk’s owners were finishing CenturyLink (Now Lumen) field they invited all contractors that contributed to the project to come take a tour before the grand opening.  I asked Gordy to join me on the tour.  As it would happen the excitement of visiting the new stadium drew a lot more people than the Prime contractor had expected and being an active jobsite still, they had to ensure that only groups of 20 people could be guided for tours.  So, they put us in the rows of the stadium seats, and we waited for our turn.  As the wait times increased the Seahawks asked a couple of players and Head Coach Holmgren to do a meet and greet as they moved the crowd into groups of 20.  As our turn came Gordy was in front of me and approached coach first.  “Hi, I’m Gordy Carlson a Swedish apple orchardist from West Valley Yakima” It was like he was meeting someone in Stein’s Ace Hardware on a Tuesday in the irrigation part isles, and he immediately put his hand out to shake.  Coach Holmgren gained a couple of big fans that day because he immediately fired back “Gordy Carlson my name is Mike it’s nice to meet you” and shook his hand.  Both players used Gordy’s name when they shook hands as they had overheard the introduction next to them.  We continued to another group of seats to sit for just a few minutes before our tour.  I ask dad “Gordy do you know who you just met?”  He then said, “the coach of Seahawks”.  I just loved the fact that everybody in his life got the same energy when they met him.

My favorite memory of my grandpa was when we were younger, my sister Sam and I would spend 2 weeks in the summer with grandma and grandpa, and grandpa would always take Sam and I for four wheeler rides, and would always go and see all the neighbors and the dog would always follow us. And it was always a fun time to have those moments with him. Love you grandpa ❤️


One of my favorite memories of Gordy was when he and Jan came to Alaska for a visit and to fish. After a good morning of fishing we decided to have lunch at the local fish place. Gordy ordered a big bowl of Fish Chowder and absolutely loved it! Years later he was reminiscing about the fish he caught in Alaska. He was still talking about the best bowl of chowder he ever had was in Petersburg, Alaska!
Gordy was a life long friend. He had the most kind and generous heart. I will miss him greatly.

Gordy, the gentle giant.  Gordy was such a huge presence at family gatherings.  He always had a smile to share with you and never missed an opportunity to ask how things were going and how you were doing.  He genuinely cared and was interested in what was happening in your life.  Gordy was very social and approachable.  If you met him you were now his friend.  No such thing as a stranger in Gordy’s world, just friends.  Gordy’s love for life, his family, friends, church, community and his apples was contagious and inspiring.  Gordy challenged me to be a better person as I watched him put his whole self in all that he did in his life as well as his example of making his family and friends his priority. 

One of my favorite memories of Uncle Gordy was at his 50th Birthday Party.  It was a wallop of a party with belly dancers and all.  Who knew that Uncle Gordy liked Tequila!  Never knew he was quite the partier.  LOL

There are many good memories that I will have of my Uncle Gordy.  He would ride his 4-wheeler up to our house during the warmer months, and stop outside our front deck where I would come out and we would have a nice visit.  I will miss seeing him and my Dad riding around the orchards on their 4-wheelers together.  In the winter of 2022, my Dad was out mowing in the orchard above our house, and he got stuck in the mud.  I'm not sure if it was the greatest decision, but he went and got Gordy to try and help him.  I'm pretty sure that Gordy hadn't been on a tractor in quite awhile.  When I looked out my window and saw them each on a tractor, I ran out (in kind of a panic because I knew Gordy wasn't in good health) to see what was going on.  Well, I got the whole story, and then asked my Dad how he got Gordy on the tractor.  He said "I just pushed him up on the seat." Needless to say, I followed them back to the warehouse, and then up to Gordy and Jan's house to make sure that we got him safely off the tractor. Even though Gordy probably shouldn't have been on the tractor that day, I know he was loving it!  I always loved taking Gordy homemade cookies.  He would always hide them so he didn't have to share them!  And the next time I would stop by he would ask "Do you have any more of those cookies?"  I will miss seeing Gordy and my Dad driving down the road in Gordy's blue pick-up, not sure where they were going or coming from, but just happy to see them out and about together.  I loved hearing Robin's funny stories about the summer that she stayed with him and took care of him.  And I will 
miss him stopping by the distillery for a "snort" and a visit!  I sure wish we could have taken him fishing one last time in our boat. He wanted to go so badly.  Rest in peace Uncle Gordy. Your are missed!
Pam Milford

My wife and I started a small distillery about ten years ago.  From time to time Gordy and Ron would stop by on their quads or tractors to see what was happening and  to chat.  Sometimes Gordy would ask for a "snort" of our Apple Pie Moonshine.  So when we were working, mostly on the weekends, we would hear the quads coming and know  that Gordy was coming by for his snort - just one, maybe two.  It was such a nice break in the day to talk, sometimes not about much of anything, and other times solving the world's problems and telling no one.  As the years passed, Gordy slowed down to the point of not being able to ride his quad anymore.  One day I was working at the distillery and I saw Jan leave the house in her car.  Shortly after, I saw Gordy making his way up the orchard dirt road on his motorized scooter.  I was watching his progress because I knew those little tires wouldn't do very well in the dirt.  He made it about half the way and then stopped.  I watched as he was looking around his scooter as he sat on it.  He yelled at me 'Kevin... I need a little help!"  I walked down the orchard row to him and he said that he wanted to come over for a snort while Jan was out and he got his scooter struck.  I helped him get the scooter moving again, and he came over for his snort and a nice chat.  I will miss those snorts, and conversations that we had with Gordy, and I have come to realize that those little things that happen in our lives were actually the big things.   Kevin and Pam Milford

Dad hiding the bag of Chocolate  Chip Cookies under his shirt that Pam made for him so no one else could eat them.  Lol

Two of my best memories with Uncle Gordy are catching my first Salmon on my first fishing trip with Gordy, Dick and another one of Gordy's Friends.  My other memory was my first job picking Cherries.  I always really liked going to the Farm as a Kid. 

Prayers and Comfort!
We have so many wonderful memories of Gordy.  He was always so generous sharing apples and always had a smile.
Blessings & Hugs

What a great guy Gordy always was.  I enjoyed his conversations, his happy attitude and his welcoming heart for all people.  This will be a huge change and my love & prayers are with you.

We are so sorry for your loss of Gordy and all he means to you.  You have been through so much and your love has persisted and shone threw.
We love all of our memories of being with you and Gordy - so many wonderful times of gathering together, watching kids in sports, hunting, fishing (Bill) and many birthday parties.  
We loved Gordy's Welcome spirit and admired both his faith in God and his love of people.  We will miss him too.

Our Hearts are saddened to share in the loss of one so dear.  Driving west on Occidental Road will never be quite the same.
Gordy's twinkling eyes and easy smile will be greatly missed.  Being a man of god for his entire life brings such a beautiful sense of assurance.  Our loving Lord's eye and gentle smile are now cast on Gordy as he receives his reward.
I'll always remember Gordy's generous spirit of wanting to share in the bounty with his homemade apple juice.  We'll recall with great fondness, Jan, our times with you at The Black Angus!
A good Christian man's spirit lives on in all of us.
May our divine Lord envelop each of you with the kind of tender comfort that only he can bestow!  Peace beyond understanding.

We wake up from this life to find that there is so much more.  May visions of Gordy reuniting with his parents, friends and brother grant you peace.

Our son Casey Living in Edmonds, sends his deepest condolences.  He had the utmost care and respect for Gordy.

Gordy was loved by all!  I have fond memories of fishing at Campbell River with him.  Also lots of memories at the family picnic with all the Carlson's.  My Gordy Rest in Peace.

I've always admired how Gordy loved his friends, fishing & most of all his family.  He certainly loved well.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

So sorry to hear, Gordy was such a wonderful guy.  We loved his big smile especially when he was brining us a bucket of Smelt. :)
Please give our love to Robin, & Michael and their families.

I am sorry to hear of Gordy's passing-I have lots of memories of the old church league softball team - Gordy could really throw smoke!
Another memory is of Gordy and Ronny randomly stopping by to swap farming stories.
You'll miss him.
I wish you the best and God's peace.

The ones we love
are never gone
from our hearts.
They visit us
in old stories.
They meet us in our dreams,
They show up in a song
or maybe
a familiar face.
They speak to us 
in moments of decision,
in times when we know 
they'd be proud.
They live on in the good things
we do for the world, 
and for each other.
And they're here
to gently remind us
every time we miss them ....
how much were loved
and always will be.

We are so unbelievably sorry for the loss of Gordy.  It is heartbreaking news.  
Gordy created a wonderful life for you and your family.  
We wish you strength and love in this time of grief and healing.

Gordy was one of a kind, with a big grin, especially when he caught a fish!  He made everyone smile.  Thanking God for Gordy.  Praying for you.
Dad enjoyed hunting and fishing with Gordy.
Miss Pearson & Mrs. Hembree, whom I remember well as 4th grade teachers at Ahtanum Valley (But I didn't realize their connections as Gordy's Aunt & Mrs. Hembree being Delly's sister, at my young age), with Lord's leading, knew the 2 of you would be perfect together.

Gordy will be greatly missed.  We are praying for your peace & Comfort & Thank the Lord for his tender care & guidance for you and your family.

Gordon was such a nice man. He will be forever missed.  Blessings to you. 

We are thinking and praying for you during this time of sorrow.  May you be filled with peace, comfort and lots of love.


Gordon was a special person and will be missed by so many.  It's never easy to let them go- but I'm sure he is very happy in Heaven.  With our love and sympathy.

I was sorry to miss Gordy's service! I've been praying for you and your family's strength, comfort and Peace, and mostly that you will sense god's love & his presence with you!  Hugs to You!

May the Lord Bless and Keep you, your heart and your livelihood in his loving protection.  We are very saddened by Gordy's passing, but rejoice in no more suffering.  We send blessings & love and will certainly keep you in our prayers.  
What a legacy!
So much to Remember & Honor!

The Carlson Family and mine go back many years, as we became neighbors on Occidental.  We moved there when I was four and Gordy's dad picked me up and took me to Sunday School each week beginning by Christian Education.
The Ice Hockey games which Gordy and My Don participated in together on Clasen's Frozen Pond in the winter time.
In later years a warehouse job packing apples for Gordy and Ron.  They were pleasure to work for, plus the bonus of home made goodies which came every morning at break for us.
Friendships lasted for many years for us.  Times change but special memories linger on and will remain.
Gordy and his family as well, have shown kindness and were a blessing to so many people in so many ways and for so many years. God Bless!

I am so sorry for your loss, Gordy was a great guy!  I have fond memories of him passing out apricots & other fruit at the family picnics. 

Gordy...the farmer's way!  Gordy was a farmer his whole life. He loved to farm, and grow apples. Gordy and Dad were very proud of their orchards.  I remember as a young kid planting apple trees with them.  Gordy especially liked to mow the orchard.  I remember him many times  being on the tractor, and mowing until dark. I can imagine he enjoyed how nice the orchard looked after it was mowed, and it certainly did.  He also was very proud of the apples they grew.  Gordy always loved to give apples away to people.  Any visitors that would stop by were always offered a bag of apples.  We also used to take boxes of apples with us to Campbell River, and we would hand them out along the way. We would stop for oysters and give everyone apples. We always gave apples to the girls where we bought our live hearing for bait.  Gordy always said we got a few extra hearing because of the apples!  ;)   I proudly carry on this tradition. I typically always have a bag of fresh apples in my pickup to hand out.  My kids poke fun of me for this, but honestly everyone always enjoys the fresh apples, and is very appreciative.  Another precious memory I will always have.  Thank you Gordy for teaching me this gracious trait!  

The Malloy family has so many great memories of Gordy. I remember the first time I met him at Ron and Robin’s house: He had a big smile, welcomed us like he had known us all his life, and chatted about life on Lake Tapps. He had a big heart and was always in a great mood. So many great times we had with him at the lake, holidays, birthdays, Fourth of July parties and more. It was an honor to know him and we feel lucky he was part of our lives. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Steve, Julie and Lenzi Malloy

Uncle Gordy was such a kind and happy soul.  He was a great friend to all he met.  His loving relationship with my Dad is something I will always cherish.  Gordy and Dad remained best friends their whole life.  If you spent any time on Swede Hill you no doubt saw the two of them cruising around in their pick-up, 4-wheelers, or on the tractors. 
 If you saw one of them, the other was usually close by.  They never missed a crab feed, Lutefisk feed, or event where good food was being served.  When I was about 8 years old, Gordy and my Dad took me fishing on the Cowlitz River.  I caught a 25 pound salmon and I was instantly hooked on fishing.  This led me to fishing with Gordy for the next 50 years.  He took me fishing all over, to include the Columbia, Cowlitz, Drano, Rimrock and Riffe  Lake, and Campbell River.  When we first started fishing at Campbell River, Gordy and I would take the pickup and boat and head to BC.  Needless to say, Gordy was a die hard fisherman, and we would fish from sunrise to sunset.  We roughed it, as would sleep in the back of the pick.  But, I didn't know any better, I just knew we both loved to fish. We always caught a lot of fish. The only time we would come off the water early was if we caught our limits. As the years progressed, I would bring friends with me to Campbell River and we always had a great time fishing with Gordy. As I said, it was rare to get off the water early. Well, me and my buddies wanted to go out on the town, so we pitched the hearing bait over board, and out of the live-well.  We said, "Gordy we are out of bait!"  Gordy said, "what the heck! I thought we had plenty of bait left!" I have so many great memories with Gordy. I am chuckling, and crying as I reminisce about all the great times we had together. Gordy was a kind, and loving person, and always had a positive attitude...great traits I will try to live by.  I love you Gordy!  And I will see you again! 

We were so sorry to hear the news about Gordy's passing.  He was a wonderful person, a terrific husband, and a good father & grandfather....  A Trifecta!  May you find comfort in the happy memories of your with Gordy.

I'm so sorry at your loss.  I know the heartbreak - regrets of when, how, the loss is huge.
He was a great guy.  Fun, easy going, wonderful husband, dad and Grandpa.  Cherish the time you had with him.

Sending Healing Prayers and Comforting Hugs, Keene & I are sad for your loss.

My deepest sympathy in your loss of Gordy.  He will be long remembered by those who knew him.

You are in my prayers for Gordy's Graduating to Heaven to be with Jesus.

I am so very sorry , but I know Gordy has been Reunited with 2 old Friends, Frank & Frank! Very Special for Sure. Sending Blessings & Love.

I'm So Sorry for the loss of a really nice person.  Gordy and Jan are the first neighbors I remember as a child.  Everyone else I knew at that point was related, so it really stuck with me.
Every time I saw Gordy from then on, he was so fun to talk to and seemed to really listen and be interested in what I had to say.  He just loved life and his family, and radiated that in his conversation.  I don't remember ever seeing him without a smile.
Swede Hill is better for having had Gordy there, and He'll be missed!

We are so sorry for your loss.  Gordy was such a blessing to all he met.  We are praying that memories will sustain you & God's Strength & Love will surround you and bring you peace.
With Love, Prayers & Hugs

My Heart is so sad for your loss.  Gordy was a gentle big hearted man.  His beautiful smile, sparkly eyes, and his soft ways only his to give.
It was my families pleasure to live rows of trees from you.   He will be missed.

I have great memories of Gordy.  As A young girl I remember 2 brothers coming to our house to pick up my dad to take him to something called "Lutefisk".  These 2 gentle giants who towered over my dad were his friends from his childhood.  That friendship would last a life time and include our whole family.  Mom learned to pack apples at the Warehouse.  The bus would drop us 3 kids off there after school so we could wait there for her.  One would think that having 3 young kids wondering around would make him a little nervous, but Gordy kindly and patiently showed us how the operation worked.  That's just the type of person I remember,  a Loving Family man, hard working, and remained that way as the years passed.  He would com by or a visit with my dad, he was a loyal and true friend.  May you find peace and comfort in all your fond memories of Gordy, who touched so many lives.

One evening many many years ago, Bill and I and Jan and Gordy planned a night out to see the religious movie “The Late Great Planet Earth.” When we got there, the movie was totally sold out so we went to see “10” instead.  Gordy didn’t know anything about the movie. His jaw-dropping expressions were priceless! ❤️ Marla

Gordy was so generous. He and Jan always brought fruit, mostly apples, when they came over for a visit.  At Christmas he brought boxes of beautiful red delicious  in fancy holiday boxes . He once tried to take cherries to friends in Campbell River and the Boarder Patrol took them away. Canada doesn’t allow stone fruit across the boarder.

Dad and Uncle Ronnie down at the Warehouse

From the Employees at Petersen Brothers,  Inc.

Dad’s nickname for me was Prune!  He started calling me his Little Prune when I was a baby and the nickname stuck.  He always called me Prune and even use to give me a Prune for my birthday all wrapped up in a shinny gold box.  Funny thing is that I hated Prunes! 

We are deeply sorry for your loss - the staff at Yakima 

Sending our love from Alaska, and remembering so many good times together.
Jim & Jill Engell and family


The Carlson family and Lovestrand familys’ history is woven through the decades like a fine piece of tapestry. Gordy and Ron’s father, Ed Carlson and my father, Emil Lovestrand ‘batched’ together in the 1920’s as they were establishing their orchards on Wiley Heights. My dad and Astrid Rehn were married in 1930 the home of Ed and Helen (Pearson) Carlson. They were all of Swedish origin and spoke Swedish to each other, much to the chagrin of us as children…always wondered what they laughed about! As children, it was always a special treat to visit Ed and Helen, as they had a ‘Viewmaster’ (comparable to todays’s iPad) where we could sit (very quietly we were told) to view scenes of the world. Helen would always bake something wonderful and we were treated to dessert in their kitchen nook. They all spoke in broken English, and I remember Helen saying, ‘Gordy doesn’t like sheeze, but he likes shicken! Lol
Throughout the years and several generations, we have maintained strong friendships with each other. Gordy invited Chawley on one of his marathon smelting trips and Chawley has stories to share. My kitchen was immersed in so many smelts, I can never eat them again!
We are saddened to lose our friend, Gordy, and his loss to the community is immeasurable. He never missed a funeral, a tribute, nor a Smorgasbord dinner, lutefisk dinner, nor crab feed. He was our long time neighbor and friend and we loved him.
Condolences from Becky and Chawley Thomas


Robin, when I think of your your dad I think of trees, apple trees. So planting a tree felt like a nice way to remember him.
Rad and JB Smith



There was no one like Gordy. He was one of a kind. Gordy made everyone smile and laugh. Dad loved to fish with him. They were some best of friends who spent some best of times together. No one can ever forget Gordy's: "The heck, you say!" And his big grin with his fish! Our extended family remembers him with fondness. He will be missed by all.
Sue (Gilbert) Martinell


Our hearts are with you.
Love Ryan, Reece, Jennifer Johnson

The Warehouse (Barn) Quilt made by Becky and Chawley Thomas.

Dad Watching the installation of the warehouse quilt made by Becky and Chawley Thomas

One of my favorite memories of Gordie was  when he came up to Robin and myself after one of our volleyball games and wanted to know why his tractor was sitting in the high school parking lot. My car wouldn’t start, so Robin drove the tractor to the game, while I rode on the front fender. The look on his face was absolutely priceless. 

I love you Gordie and I will miss you terribly. Thank you for all your love and support, and for allowing me to live next to my best friend and her family in my high school years. So many good times!

Hugs,
Lori

I have many fond memories of spending summers in Yakima, and that includes spending time at Gordy and Jan’s (usually to go swimming). However, one of my favorite memories of Gordy took place in 2019. My husband and I got married at the Apple Tree Club House, with our reception taking place on the second floor. Gordy, despite having difficulties with walking at this time, decided that he was not missing out on any part of our wedding day and walked the many stairs to get to the party. He and Jan stayed for quite a while, and he seemed to really enjoy himself. I love that despite his own physical limitations he wanted to make sure he celebrated us. Gordy will be missed! 

I gave dad a hair cut when mom was recovering from her heart attack in 2020.  I was very blessed to be able to spend 3 and a half months with him.  I have many funny memories from that summer.  Not bad for my first time cutting hair! 😆

June 25th, 1995 Right before he walked me down the isle to get married to Ron.  My father was a kind and loving Soul. He loved to Fish🐟, watch me play basketball 🏀 And eat Lutifisk!  We had a fun life growing up on the family Apple Orchard!  We will miss him and his smile! Love You Daddy! 💜 

OBITUARY

Gordon Gordy C. Carlson

July 10, 1934 – January 11, 2023

Keith & Keith Funeral Home

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