Gordon Dennis Sawser, 74, of Salem, Ore. passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, at Salem Hospital.

Gordon was born in Burns, Oregon on January 14, 1946 to Gordon Delmar and Alyce Nelsina Sawser. His early years were spent in Hines. Gordon spent his youth hunting, fishing, and learning to work with his hands under the tutelage of his grandfather, Tony Oas.  At the age of 12, Gordon began working at a cattle ranch with fellow ranch hands that still wore sidearm pistols. Through adolescence, he would work in construction, at the local sawmill, and spend one summer fishing in Alaska.

After graduating from Burns High School, Gordon enrolled at Southern Oregon College and completed two years before volunteering to join the Army. After becoming a Lieutenant in the Army Engineers, Gordon completed jump school and joined the 18th Airborne Corps in Fort Bragg, N.C. He would eventually complete 67 jumps and graduate form Jungle School in Panama. Gordon joined the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam in 1968.

Gordon served as a Platoon Leader and Company Commander while in Vietnam. His engineers cleared combat trails, erected defensive positions, and fought as infantry during numerous engagements. On St. Patrick’s Day 1969, Gordon was critically wounded during combat operations.  After spending four weeks in a hospital in Vietnam, he was evacuated to Japan for further treatment and recovery. Gordon never fully recovered from his wounds, carrying metal from shrapnel inside his body for the rest of his life.

Upon returning to the United States, Gordon married Judy on June 28, 1969. The newlyweds would briefly live in Tacoma, Wash. before moving to Medford, where Gordon finished his degree at Southern Oregon College. Feeling the need for a little adventure, the couple spent one year in American Samoa teaching at the Community College of American Samoa.

Settling back in Oregon after time abroad, Gordon worked for several companies as an accountant; most notably May Trucking and Ross Bros. Construction.

In spite of working long hours, Gordon enjoyed being active in his sons’ lives. He volunteered to serve the Boy Scouts, attended all of their sporting events, and taught them survival skills in the woods. Gordon took great pride in watching both of his sons graduate from US military academies.

In addition to volunteering for the Boy Scouts, Gordon served on the Board of Directors for MAPS Credit Union for over 25 years. Spanning four decades, he volunteered countless hours serving the First Presbyterian Church and its congregation.

After retirement, Gordon traveled the world with Judy. When not traveling across the United States in his RV, Gordon enjoyed visiting his sons’ families as they moved regularly in military service. Gordon loved being a grandpa.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Delores Adams; and brother-in-law, Tom Madarieta.

He is survived by his wife, Judy of Salem; sister and brother-in-law, Valerie and Dr. Richard James of Jacksonville, Ore.; sister, Renee Madarieta of Newberg, Ore.; son and daughter-in-law, Lt Col Derek and Mary Anne Sawser of Las Vegas; son and daughter-in-law, Lt Col Brian and Susanne Sawser of Stuttgart, Germany; four granddaughters; one grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be given to Salem Elks Lodge #336, woundedwarriorproject.org, or to the charity of one’s choice.

A celebration of life will be held later next year due to pandemic restrictions.  Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.