Richard "Rick" Gordon, age 62 of Riverdale, ND died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 at Medcenter One Health Systems in Bismarck. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place.


An open house in celebration of Rick's life will be held from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Saturday, Nov. 21 at his home, 107 2nd Street in Riverdale. His family invites all friends to attend.


Rick was born May 6, 1947 in Bismarck, ND to Glenn & Jeanette (Kearns) Gordon. His older sister Faye wished for him to be called "Ricky" after her favorite radio star Ricky Nelson from the Ozzie & Harriet Show, and so he was named. Rick spent most of his childhood living in Reeder, ND and after graduating from high school served four years in the U.S. Air Force. Following his honorable discharge in 1970, he attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Rick married Claudia Berg on March 9, 1972 and together they raised three children, Kelly, Casey & Hunter. Rick took great pride and joy in his family, as they did in him. He was a voracious reader and was always ready to debate politics, philosophy and the Minnesota Vikings. He loved music and, on occasion, would dance with his family in the living room of his house. Rick spent much of his free time on the golf course where his game never really improved but where his friendships thrived. He began to travel as a young man and led his family on many journeys. Rick had a wit that was matched only by his compassion, which made it impossible not to love him. He lived his life with no regrets.


Along with countless friends and family members, Rick is survived by his wife, Claudia Gordon of Riverdale; two daughters, Kelly Gordon & Casey Gordon of New York, NY; one son & daughter-in-law, Hunter Gordon & Kristin Murch of Minneapolis, MN; two sisters, Faye Diem of Underwood, & Cindy (Bud) Tomlinson of Clarkston, WA; a wonderful nephew, Christopher Diem of Mankato, MN; and a special cousin, Margaret Ann Hammeren of Bismarck.