Gordon Harding, 84

Gordon Roland Harding, age 84, passed away peacefully on Aug. 14, 2026, surrounded by his family and best dog Baby at his side in his home in Whitefish.

Gordon was born in Dickinson, North Dakota to parents Blanche, MT Puppet Lady, and Tommy Harding, college professor. His family spent many magical summers at the family cabin in Indian Bay off of Rocky Point Road on Flathead Lake. On the day he learned to swim, he found an arrowhead. He was hooked. He was involved in many activities, including Scouts and sports. He fondly remembered earning his Eagle Scout badge by rafting 57 miles on the Flathead River in a single pilot's raft in the rain. Immediately upon return he headed up the Mission Falls to Lucifer Lake. As a sportsman, he excelled at football, basketball, and especially track. At Dickinson State he was nicknamed “Legs Harding” and competed in the high hurdles, high jump, and relays. He was invited to try out for the Olympic Track Team and raced at the time trials in South Dakota.

Gordon transferred to the University of North Dakota and had many adventures including working in the Yukon Territory in the summer and riding his bicycle from Grand Forks, North Dakota to New York City. But the best adventure was when he met the woman of his dreams, Marilynn Meshefski. There was a fraternity event where he needed a date and his SAE fraternity brother, Ronald, set him up on a blind date with his sister, Marilynn. They were married in 1966 and celebrated 53 years of marriage until her passing in 2019.

Gordon worked many types of jobs throughout his lifetime. After retiring, when asked what his occupation was, he would respond with “carpenter” and a gifted carpenter he was. In the early days, he followed his dream of being a newsman in Missoula, Dickinson, and Dillon. After having two wonderful daughters, Becki and Kathy, he took a marketing job with 3M. He wanted to raise his family on Flathead Lake, so they moved to Polson where Gordon got involved with several small businesses. Always creative and motivated, he promoted Polson by adopting the name “Port Polson” and developing the “Flathead River Bottom Boogie." He was named Businessman of the Year for his work with the Flagship Clothing Store and Ancient Mariner Restaurant and Bar.

Gordon and his family moved to San Diego to be closer to Marilynn's brother, Ronald. After 10 years of fun in the sun, Gordon and Marilynn moved to Billings where he built Marilynn her dream home. Upon retiring, Gordon and Marilynn decided to move to Whitefish to become full-time grandparents. They were absolutely the best grandparents. Grandpa Gordon and his dogs would walk the kids from school every day to their home on Somers Ave.

Gordon was friends with Bill W. for over 30 years and touched many with his courage, strength, and hope. He was a gifted storyteller and historian. The sound of his voice weaving a story will be greatly missed but kept in our hearts.

Gordon was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Marilynn; brother-in-law, Ronald Meshefski; his two sisters, Gaye and Bonnie; and nephew, Dean Engle.

Gordon's surviving family will miss him dearly: Rebecca and Jon Hjertberg; Kathy and Dan Ray; and grandchildren Alexander and Kaylee Ray; Brother Gary Harding and sister-in-law Kathy; as well as his niece, Sunny Deveny; and nephews Dan Engle, Tom and Greg Wolgamot; Travis and Chip Harding; and last but not least Baby, his dog.

A memorial service and potluck will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the Whitefish Community Center.