Gordon Finlinson Shipley

Gordon Finlinson Shipley returned to God, who gave him life, on Sunday, September 6, 2026, after his experience with cancer. He was 88 years old. Gordon was born to Lee and Norine Shipley in Oak City, Utah, on May 30, 1938.

Gordon grew up as a farm boy in a large family (10 siblings) and an even larger extended family. His father’s railroad career often left the farm in his children's care. He enjoyed the things many young men of his era did (sports, girls, dancing, singing, and a good time with his friends). After high school, Gordon and a few others headed to California to build refrigerated train cars.

Later, Gordon chose to serve his Savior as a missionary in the Central States Mission, a decision that would shape the rest of his life. With encouragement from leaders and the family's timely move to Mapleton, he enrolled at BYU.

While at BYU, he met the love of his life, Joan Kremkau. They married in 1962. After graduating in 1966 (with three of his five children), Gordon and Joan lived in many places and enjoyed many experiences.

Gordon’s professional career was all over the map, giving him a very diverse set of opportunities: Farming, equipment operator, dairyman, truck driver, procurement specialist/buyer (Pratt-Whitney Aircraft), production control supervisor (Reznor), industrial art teacher (Wasatch Junior High and High School), HVAC installer (Don Bird), bricklayer/beekeeper (Ron Wright), computer store owner-partner (St. George), procurement manager (Thiokol), construction quality control (IPA), contract grounds manager (IPSC).

Gordon’s loves fell into proper order: to love God and to love God’s children (or was that love God and love reading books?). Gordon served God all his days in many church callings, completing his tour of duty with 20+ years of work in the Lord’s House (Manti, Payson).

The true joy and love of his life is his family. Gordon loves them, and they know it.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents; his spouse, Joan; his brothers Barton and Kris; his great-grandchildren Nash, Kalia, and Jett; and his beloved brothers-in-law, David and Stan. His children survive him: Mike and Kathy Shipley; Jill and Dennis Romboy; Mark and Linda Lee Shipley; Bonnie and Michael Forrest; and Erin and Gene Whitley-Ross. Gordon and Joan have 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: LaRae (David) Summers; Wayne and Pam Shipley; Frankie (Stan) Nielson; Tom and Vicki Shipley; SuZann and Craig Witlock; George and MarKay Shipley; Noreece and Clark Harward; and Lela and Ken Patrick.

As a family, we express our deepest appreciation and respect for the medical community that supported Gordon throughout his cancer journey. Honorable mentions, embodying the highest qualities a person can possess, are Dr. Bogdana Schmidt (Huntsman), Dr. Spencer Nielson (Delta), and our Angel Mandi Kesler (At Home).

Funeral services honoring Gordon will be held on Saturday, September 12, at 11 am at the Oak City Ward building (35 E. Center, Oak City, Utah). Viewings will be held Friday evening, September 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday before the service from 9:30 to 10:30 am.

To Watch Recorded Funeral Service Click Here.

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