Gordon Vernon Bashford

Gordon Vernon Bashford, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, optometrist, and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, peacefully passed away on October 27th, 2024, at the age of 85. 

Gordon was born on November 5, 1938, to George Vernon and Anna Brill Bashford in Worland, Wyoming. Several minutes later, to the surprise of both parents and doctor, his twin brother, Leonard, was born. The Bashfords were a farming family and Gordon learned early to work hard and carry his share of the load, driving tractors, stacking hay, milking cows, and irrigating crops.

Gordon attended Worland High School and then graduated from Pacific University with both a BA and a Doctor of Optometry degree. He was a highly respected optometrist on Olde Wadsworth Blvd in Arvada from 1963 until he retired in 2004. He loved his partners, patients, and staff and was known for his gentle demeanor, compassion, and commitment to providing excellent eye care for his patients. 

Beyond his professional life, Gordon was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He married his high school sweetheart and eternal companion Kay Paris on the 25th of August 1959. Together, they raised six children. 

Gordon was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a man of great faith. His service included time as a bishop, stake presidency counselor, patriarch, and missionary with Kay in the Prague, Czech Republic Mission. 

Gordon loved sports. He played high school football for the undefeated Worland Warriors and continued to play in college. Sports continued to play a big part of his life and family as he was always up for driveway basketball or a backyard football game with his family.

Gordon is survived by his loving wife, Kay Bashford; his children, Michael, David (Susanne), MaryKay, Kent (Sally), Mark (Myla), and Stephen (Deanna); seventeen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and his siblings Leonard, Howard, Verna, and Allen.

A visitation will be held from 6:00-7:30pm, on Friday, November 1st, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12995 W. 72nd Ave., Arvada, Colorado 80005.

Services will be at 11:00am on Saturday, November 2nd, also at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12995 W. 72nd Ave., Arvada, Colorado  80005.

For those not able to attend in person, you may participate virtually by following this zoom link at 11:00am (MST) on Saturday, November 2: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87869246683?pwd=wFU6hud13JbiSbCidNAV2AmRKTnl7z.1   Meeting ID: 878 6924 6683 Passcode: 210249

If desired, memorial donations may be made in Gordon's memory to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Aid Fund: https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/funds/  OR  the Arvada Food Bank: https://cotable.org/donate/

A graveside service will be held the following Saturday, November 9th at 10am, in Wyoming at the Riverview Memorial Gardens, 1071 W. River Road, Worland, Wyoming  82401.