Gordon William Postovit, 84

Gordon loved each and every one of you. He was so very proud of his beautiful family. He often remarked how much he loved being with all of you and how proud he was of each of your unique gifts and accomplishments. He felt incredibly blessed to be the patriarch of this wonderful family. Nothing brought him greater joy than celebrating your successes and being by your side during life's difficult moments.

He loved helping all of you. Whether it was wallpapering, painting, staining, or doing yard work at your homes, he was happiest when he was serving his family. He simply loved being with you.
He thoroughly enjoyed concerts, music festivals and especially our adventures at the lake. He faithfully walked all 18 holes following you at golf tournaments, cheered from the stands at hockey games, and spent countless hours watching volleyball, gymnastics, basketball and Ultimate Frisbee. He treasured his walks at Ashley Lake and never missed his daily workouts in Arizona.
Gordon was a deeply religious, moral, honest, kind, hardworking, loving and humble man. He was frugal, yet incredibly generous. Of all his many wonderful qualities, I believe his greatest gift was his patience. He seldom raised his voice and approached every conflict with calmness, wisdom and gentle reasoning. He taught us that strength is found in kindness and that love is best shown through quiet actions.

I knew Gordon was the one on our very first date. Early in our relationship, I blurted out that I loved him. From that day forward, through 59 years of marriage, he told me every single day that he loved me. What an extraordinary gift that has been.

Together, we were blessed to raise three wonderful children, Steve, Jana and Joy. Each of them reflects the very best of their beloved father. They love deeply, work hard, love God and are completely devoted to their families. They have been my strength and my solid rocks.

They also chose wonderful spouses. Tara has truly become our third daughter, and Ron and Adam are good, solid men. They are loving husbands, exceptional fathers, and we love each of them dearly.

We have also been blessed with nine amazing, beautiful, handsome and talented grandchildren, two grandsons-in-law, one granddaughter-in-law, four bonus grandchildren and one sweet, joyful little great-granddaughter. Gordon delighted in every one of them. Each brought him immense pride and happiness.

Gordon was a devoted son and dearly loved his sister, Ellen. He loved all of his brothers-in-law, nephews and their families. He embraced both his family and mine as one, and we shared so many wonderful vacations, holidays and treasured memories together over the years.

Professionally, Gordon was proud to help found the Williston Basin Eye Clinic in Williston, North Dakota. He devoted his career to caring for others and served his profession with distinction. He
was president of the North Dakota Optometric Association and the North Central States Optometric Council. He also served as president of the Mercy Hospital Foundation and gave generously of his time through First Lutheran Church, the Williston United Way and the Lions Club.

Following in his father's footsteps, Gordon retired at the age of 55. We were truly blessed with 29 wonderful years of retirement. We spent 23 happy years in Arizona, where Gordon enjoyed golf, dear friends and precious time with family. We also spent our summers surrounded by God's breathtaking beauty in Montana, and five years ago we were grateful to make Montana our permanent home.

Sports were always a part of Gordon's life. From his days playing basketball, football and baseball to his lifelong love of golf, snow skiing, water skiing, swimming and walking, he found joy in staying active and encouraging others.

Most importantly, Gordon loved God. Every night he faithfully said his prayers. His faith guided every decision he made and gave him peace throughout his life.

And above all else, he loved each of you with all his heart.

While our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that Gordon is now resting peacefully in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. We know that he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Until we meet again, Gordon, thank you for loving us so completely. You have left a legacy of faith, integrity, kindness, patience, and unconditional love that will live on in all of us.

We love you, and we will miss you every day.