Gordon McCarty

On March 9, 2024, Gordon Brian McCarty went home to be with the Lord. He was living at Brookside Manor in Hood River. Gordon was born May 26, 1929, in Brookings, South Dakota, to George and Mary (Walters) McCarty. He grew up with siblings Walt, Mary “Gene”, and Marge. Some of Gordon’s fond boyhood memories included snow fun during South Dakota winters, selling ice cream and magazines, playing drums in the band, hunting pheasants, and traveling with his family. Gordon loved dancing to the tunes of the 1940s, practicing steps with sisters Gene and Marge. His Daddy, a professor of speech and debate and a public speaker, and Mother, a homemaker, took their children on multi-state adventures in conjunction with George’s speaking engagements. The family enjoyed good stories, picnics, reunions, and a spirit of play that Gordon demonstrated throughout his life.

Gordon’s family moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he completed his senior year of high school and then earned an education degree at Indiana State Teacher’s College. In 1951 he joined the Navy, serving at various Naval Air stations in the US and attending Officer’s Candidate School and electronics training for radio and radar maintenance. Upon completing military service, he took his first job teaching woodshop, printing, and mechanical drawing in Yuba City, California.

During summer graduate work in Berkeley, California, in 1960, Gordon met LaDonna  at a church event. He moved to Maryland for further studies and the two wrote letters. In 1962 they married in Portland, Oregon, then road-tripped to Maryland to make their first home. Gordon continued to teach junior high shop class. During vacations, they car-camped and toured the East Coast, taking in history and the arts.

In 1975, with new daughter Kathleen, Gordon and LaDonna moved to the Hood River Valley, where Gordon purchased an orchard. The family attended First Baptist, now Faith Bible. Over the years, Gordon and LaDonna extended their table to share hospitality with many. The two traveled in the US, as well as to Japan, Costa Rica, and Europe. After retiring from the orchard, Gordon spent a few years working part-time for the OSU Agricultural Experiment Station.

He loved the outdoors, and wherever he went, Gordon marveled at God’s handiwork in nature, capturing beauty with his camera. He made greeting cards from his photos and wrote notes of encouragement to brighten a day. He took part in The Dalles Camera Club for many years. Gordon’s love of song meant singing in church and community choirs; he would find the bass line and sing along no matter the occasion. Using his woodwork and mechanical skills, he repaired, designed, and built many practical solutions for home and orchard. In more recent years, Gordon enjoyed writing his life stories with friends in the Down Manor writers’ group. Gordon’s storytelling, wit, and love for learning and conversation continued to the last. When asked, “How was your day?” he would frequently reply, “Every day we’re given is a gift!”

Gordon was predeceased by wife LaDonna (2009), brother Walt, and sister Gene Oxsen. He is survived by daughter Kathleen, sister Marge Hauser, and numerous McCarty and Sandahl nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

On Saturday, March 30, at 10:00 am, a service to remember and give thanks will be held at Faith Bible Church (1889 Belmont Dr, Hood River, OR 97031); a reception will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Bible Church (Hood River) or Mercy Ships (Garden Valley, Texas).

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.  

Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note for family.