Gordon Gilman Nesten, 86
Gordon Gilman Nesten, 86, passed away peacefully Sept. 13, 2015, surrounded by his loving children, due to complications of pneumonia at the Brendan House.
Gordon was born on June 10, 1929, to Clair Gilman and Gladys Mae (McHenry) Nesten, in New Westminister, British Columbia, where his parents were farming. He joined sisters Wilma “Mody” and Alma “Jony” and one year later, his “baby sis,” Wanita “Nita” joined the family. Due to difficult times, he went to live with relatives Jake and Izy Reimers and family of Ronan. After his parents’ divorce, Gladys married James Harbin and little brother Frank joined the family.
In 1945, while living in Tacoma, Washington, Gordon had to get his mother’s permission to join the U.S. Army Transport Service at the age of 16. He worked on the ships Sierra and Silverado. He then joined the U.S. Navy in 1950. Gordon served his nation with courage and distinction during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard “Bonny Dick,” being honorably discharged in 1954.
Gordon married the love of his life, Sue Ann Burnside, on Dec. 13, 1958. Gordon then attended the Coyne Electrical School in Chicago. After finishing school, Gordon and Sue lived in Eastern Montana while Gordon completed his electrical apprenticeship and began their family. Their daughter Hope was born in Culbertson, and twins Bobby and Billy were born in Glasgow. After moving back to Kalispell in 1963, Gordon and Sue would be blessed with another son, Rob.
Gordon began his electrical career with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 768, recently being awarded his 55-year membership pin. His work took him all over the Northwest. Locally, he worked at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant and the Libby Dam, with a career spanning 32 years. Gordon retired in 1991, longing to return to the homeplace he spent a lifetime creating. Gordon and Sue, with the help of family and friends, built their home in Evergreen and raised their family there. Their home became the “go to” place for all family gatherings. Gordon and Sue were blessed with five grandchildren, Travis, Justin, Calen, Kelsey and Shannon Ann.
Gordon and Sue and sons spent several successful hunting seasons in Eastern Montana with family and friends, creating memories to last a lifetime.
On June 28, 2010, Gordon’s loving wife took half of his heart with her passing. The love of his children, grandchildren and extended family aided him through this difficult time. The birth of his two great-grandsons, Jason and Brody, brought pride, joy and pleasure back into his life.
Gordon was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Sue Ann, and his precious infant son, Bobby James, his parents, and sisters Mody and Jony, and numerous family and friends, too many to name.
Gordon leaves behind his daughter, Hope Horstman, her children, Travis and Jessica and their son Brody, Justin and Amber and their son Jason, and Shannon Ann and the children’s father Jack Horstman; sons, Billy Nesten, and Kim and Rob Nesten and his children Calen and Kelsey and their mother, Kelly Pisk Nesten; his sister, Nita Wiggins; and brother, Frank Harbin; sisters-in-law, Gay Rose, Hazel Stefanatz and Marie Burnside, and brother-in-law, Bill Collier; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
Gordon was a loving husband for 51 years and loyal until his passing. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to all he met. Gordon’s love of family could never be measured. The impact of his work ethic and generous spirit will be his legacy and carried on for generations.
Gordon’s family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff of the Forest Pod at the Brendan House and Home Options for the loving care given to their father.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, with the viewing beginning at 9 a.m. at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Gordon will be laid to rest with full military honors at Glacier Memorial Gardens following the memorial service. A luncheon will be held at the Moose Lodge in Evergreen where Gordon and Sue were lifetime members.