Gordon L. Svien
September 20, 1932 - October 5, 2010
Obituary
In Loving Memory Of Gordon L. Svien
Gordon was born on 20 September 1932 in ESMOND, ND and passed away on 5 October 2010 in Auburn, WA., after a long and courageous battle against illness.
Gordon spent the younger years of his life living, learning and working on the farm that his parents owned in North Dakota. From there his family moved west to Seattle, WA., where he lived for much of his life. He graduated from Cleveland High School in 1950. Known as ‘Gordie’ at Cleveland, he was part of the Boys Club, Duwamish Diary and was active in sports especially Baseball. His quoted ambition his senior year was, ‘Never get tied down’ as can be seen to be ironic further on in this reading. Gordie was also a member of the Seattle Times Paper Carriers All Star baseball team.
Gordon entered active federal service during the Korean War and served his country faithfully in the United States Air-Force stationed in Korea, Japan and Tennessee. He received an Honorable Discharge and returned to Seattle, WA., where he became a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Gordie lived his life following one major theme; Take Care Of Your Family. Not only did he take care of his family, but he loved each of us dearly.
He worked very hard his whole working life raising a hungry and needy family. He sacrificed much for the happiness of his family. This is something that truly comes from ones heart and dad’s was a big heart. He worked for many years at Northwestern Glass Later Ball Incon and retired in the mid eighties after decades of faithful hard-working service inspecting and melting down glass.
After Gordon retired he did some traveling. He ventured around America and even toured Europe to visit his son and his family while stationed in Germany. When at home, he enjoyed going to his grandkids sporting events. He enjoyed watching his Mariners, Seahawks, Huskies, Sonics and ‘The young and restless’. He rarely missed a game.
Gordie also became a ‘Snowbird’ traveling the winter months staying at his house in Mesa, AZ., with his sister Agnes and returning to his other home in Kent, WA., for the summers.
Throughout his later years, many doctors, nurses and medical personnel helped dad with various problems. The family thanks you for your support. The list is long but please know that his family appreciates everything that was done for him. Dad appreciated it as well.
A man of few words, he delivered most things through his actions. He never complained about anything even when he was in pain from illness or injury – he would rather take it than to have someone else suffer because he was. A true man.
Gordon was preceded in death by his mother Ella Svien, His Father Anton Svien, His Sister Agnes Quackenbush, his Brother Alfred Svien, his Brother Ernest Svien and his Grandson Eric J. Autio. He is survived by his daughter Robin Devries, his Son Richard Autio, his Daughter Ronda Gracy, his Son Charles Svien and his Daughter Cynthia Mounts. Along with his children, Gordon is also survived by 13 Grandchildren and one Great-Grandchild who were all the apple of his eye.
You educated us well dad. You loved us unconditionally. We will strive to be half the person you were and you will be missed by all of us so much. We love you dad.
Dear Robin and Family
We are so sorry to learn about the passing of your father. May the hope and peace of Christ be in your hearts during this difficult time.
Lots of love and prayers.
Randy and Nancy Barber
Dear Robin and Cyndy,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I’m sorry I missed the service, but you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Cyndy, you don’t remember me Robin’s cousin, but I used to babysit you when your perents lived in Georgetown.
Blessings on you both, and on your families.
Love,
–Kathy Altman
Ric,
Your Dad’s legacy lives on in you. He will always be part of you and will watch over you as he sits next to the Father.
In Christ,
Doug
Ric,
Condolences from the entire team during this time of grief for you and your family. God sent his carriage and it kindly stopped for your father while he slept.
I miss you Grandpa 7!!
you are the strongest man i have ever known. your my Hero grandpa! I love you, and will always miss you.
I love you Grandpa “Broken Leg.” I will miss you and I will never forget. Say hi to Eric and take care of each other.
I’ll be seeing you again…one day.
Go dad, Rest. Shelve all thoughts, Of unfinished deeds. Harbor no doubts, Of unfulfilled commitments. At ease dad, Rest. You taught life with great conviction, About truth, Of right and wrong. Your endeavors will forever live on in the lives of your children, And in theirs. Relax dad, Rest. Your work here is done, But not forgotten. Rest in peace dad.
Much love and respect,
Dave
Daddy I miss you so much and although my heart aches for you I know you are happy..I will miss our daily hugs and kisses and weekend sports. Thank-you for being the best daddy any daughter could ever have.
Love you daddy xoxox Cyndy
Love you Grandpa “7”…I will miss you!!!…Make sure Eric keeps you company during those Husky games!!!
Dad, I will love you with my whole heart forever. I will miss our time together especially our Fridays watching Y&R and your famous hot buttered rum. You made us all feel so loved and protected. Your unconditional love will carry me for the rest of my life. I will miss you dad but I’m comforted knowing you are with the others that we’ve loved and lost and I will see you again. I love you so much. Ronda
To all of you who I will always consider my extended family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I too will always have fond memories of Gordon.
Gordon, my memories of you are with me forever. Thank you for the wisdom you shared when I was a very young man. You truely are the Wizard of my heart. I will take the best care of your daughter Ronda, forever.
Dear Ric and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Norma Thrower and Family
I am what I am because of you dad. You gave me so much of yourself. I will continue and never stop doing my best. Rest easy Dad – I love you.
I was not aware that Gordy passed, I have a lot of childhood memories of him ,Yes he was a man of few words and I admired that very much, A true man indeed. My condolences to Rick, Ronda,Cindy and Charlie.