Gordon August Farr Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gordon August Farr, born on September 6, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah, died early Saturday morning, September 29, 2018, in his home in St. George, Utah. Gordon grew up in Salt Lake City, where he attended West High School, graduating in 1952. He was involved in many activities and served as Senior Class President. He attended University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science – Sociology, in 1960, and then earned a Master of Science – Social Work, in 1962. Gordon’s professional career took him first to Topeka, Kansas, where he was one of seven individuals in the nation selected to complete a Post-Master’s Degree Training Program in psychiatric social work with the Menninger Foundation. After completing the program, he moved to Wisconsin, where he worked as a social worker with Milwaukee Psychiatric Hospital in Wauwatosa, later serving in the role of Director of Social Work. After leaving the Hospital, he continued his work as a psychotherapist with Covenant Behavioral Health in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and completed his professional career serving as a counselor for LDS Family Services, in St. George, Utah. Gordon also served in the United States Marine Corp from November, 1953 to March, 1957, when he was honorably discharged. He was stationed out of Camp Pendleton in California. He served on the USS Bon Homme Richard. He earned awards for good conduct and expert rifleman, of which he was particularly proud. Gordon was very active in the Dixie Detachment #1270, Marine Corps League, in St. George during the last years of his life. Gordon married Anne Marie West on September 16, 1959 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and were sealed in the Salt Lake City temple in 1991. Anne and Gordon have three children, who they raised in New Berlin, Wisconsin, where they lived for 42 years, later moving to St. George, in 2003. During his time in Wisconsin, Gordon served as bishop for the West Allis First ward from and second counselor to the bishop in the Sunset 7th branch. He served many other callings in the Church, including executive secretary, gospel doctrine teacher, stake and ward Sunday School president, temple ordinance worker, second counselor to young men’s at the age of 80, and nursery leader at the age of 82. He especially enjoyed working with the youth and his time in the nursery. It was also during his time in Wisconsin that Gordon developed a love for running. He competed successfully in races from 5 Ks to marathons. He qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon in 1978, 1979 and 1980. Gordon started biking and enjoyed riding “The Bike” even more than running. He regularly competed in the Huntsman World Senior Games and Utah Summer Games and earned multiple ribbons and medals. He is survived by: his wife, his three children and their spouses Leslie Anne Sammon (Scott), Lisa Kristine Farr-Chowanec (Troy) and Michael Gordon Farr (Heather) and his grandchildren, Ryan (Katie), Chris (Katie), Nick (Kristen), Julia, Nathan and Nolan, and his great grandchild, Claire. Gordon is preceded in death by: his parents, Aaron Lafayette and Margaret Rose, and his siblings, Aaron Lorin Farr and Jacqueline Farr Lloyd. The family would like to thank all of Gordon’s friends and family who supported him during this difficult time in his life. A very special thanks to Logan and Codi of Dixie Home Rehab and Hospice and the loving care they gave to Gordon and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Beyond Vision, 5316 West State Street, Milwaukee, WI. Donations are also accepted on-line at beyondvision.com. Friends will be received to celebrate Gordon’s life on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located at 82 North Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah 84770. A memorial service will be conducted the following day on Thursday, October 4, 2018, starting at 11 a.m. at the same location. Family and friends are also invited to share condolences online at www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements and memorial tree planting by Serenity Funeral Home, 986-2085.

Gordon August Farr

September 6, 1934 - September 29, 2018