Gordon William Davidson, 64, died Friday, June 29, at home surrounded by family, following an extended battle with heart failure. Gordon was born June 15, 1948, in Helena to Thomas and Edna Davidson. Gordon was raised on the family dairy farm in the Helena Valley and was active in 4-H and sports. Gordon graduated from Helena High in 1966 lettering in football and wrestling. He attended Montana State University for a short while and joined the Army National Guard in November 1967. Gordon graduated at the top of his class in wheel and track mechanics and drilled in Helena and Deer Lodge.

In 1970, Gordon married Patricia Kay (Patty) Sullivan of Helena. They moved into the old family farmhouse where they raised two sons, Thomas (TJ) and Brian. The family gradually got back into producing hay and beef cattle in 1981. Gordon became very close to many of the young people and friends of his sons who worked for us on the ranch. In his spare time, Gordon enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, rodeos and spending time with family and friends.

After getting married, Gordon worked for Helena Transfer & Storage, eventually managing the warehouse for the state's food distribution programs that provided USDA surplus commodities for Indian reservations, institutions, senior centers and emergency relief. Gordon later worked for the state's Department of Health and Human Services for 31 years, first managing the warehouse and then managing the food distribution programs until his retirement in 2003. Gordon saw the program through several periods of growth and expansion, including a warehouse building project, the great dairy surplus distribution, partnering with the prison industries in processing surplus cheese and canning vegetables, expanding distribution of surplus products to other states, the food bank networks and the school lunch program. Gordon was very proud of his years in public service.

Gordon was a private person, very devoted to his family and his ranching heritage. In his retirement years he continued to build up the family ranch teaching his grandchildren, Connor and Paige, the finer arts of ranching and raising beef cattle. He enjoyed working the land and could fix almost any piece of equipment. His idea of heaven was relaxing in his shop after a hard day's work.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, TJ. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patty; son, Brian Davidson and his two grandchildren, Connor and Paige of Helena; his brother, Bruce, and wife, Glenda of Helena; brothers- and sisters-in-laws, Mike and Linda Sullivan of Sacramento, Calif., and Mary and Dan Murray of Kalispell; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Special appreciation for Gordon's care is given to Dr. Thomas Weiner and the staff of St. Peter's Cancer Center and St. Peter's Hospital, and to very special friend, Barry Ottoson, and all the many friends and family members who helped support our family and kept the ranch operating during his illness.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, July 5, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, with a luncheon reception in the Fellowship Hall of the church immediately following Mass. Burial will be held at Forestvale Cemetery after the reception. Memorials in Gordon's name may be sent to, St. Peter's Cancer Treatment Center c/o St. Peter's Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to donor's choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences.