Gordon Kaufman

Gordon (Gordy) Leo Kaufman died peacefully at his home on September 4. He was born May 18, 1941 in Moccasin, the first son of Clarence and Marie (Slivka) Kaufman. Gordy graduated from Moccasin High School in 1959, and was united in marriage to Irene “Kay” Ellis on April 14, 1960. Together they shared a life centered on family, hard work, and devotion. They made their home in Lewistown, where they raised their 5 children.

Gordy was dedicated to his family, often working two to three jobs at a time so Kay could stay home with the kids. In 1966, he started as a part-paid firefighter with the Lewistown Fire Department and became a full-time firefighter in 1970. He rose through the ranks and retired as Assistant Fire Chief. Gordy also worked at several different car dealerships as a mechanic and later a salesman.

A true entrepreneur and a man of many talents, Gordy rarely sat still. He owned and operated many businesses over the years, including Cramer’s Lawnmower Repair, I-Deal Used Car Lot, Kaufman’s Auto, and U&I Repair. He had a gift of working with his hands and could fix, build, rebuild just about anything. He designed, created, welded, and built machinery, equipment, and even sculptures. He had a deep appreciation of classic cars. He recreated, restored, and fixed bikes, motorbikes, snowmobiles, lawnmowers, cars, and trucks from pieces picked up at the dump or found. He enjoyed entering his cars in classic car shows, was a member of the Central Montana Trail Dusters Car Club, was an avid bowler, and a member of the Eagles Club.

The outdoors held a special place in Gordy’s heart, and he passed that on to his family. He taught his children and grandchildren how to garden, fish, ski, water ski, and hunt; as well as ride bikes, motorcycles & snowmobiles. Among his favorite places was the cabin he hand-built with help from family and friends, a place where countless cherished memories were made. It was a special place where he spent almost all his vacation time with family. He looked forward to his yearly hunting trips with a group of close friends and family.

Gordy made it a point to be at every graduation, wedding, and other important life events for all his grandchildren. He traveled all over the country and even overseas to spend time with his kids and grandchildren. Gordy particularly enjoyed his yearly winter trips to Arizona, where he would spend time with his granddaughter; go to baseball spring training games, gamble, visit the butterfly house, and pop in to watch the horse races.

Gordy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kay; his children: Karen (Preis), Jacque (Hunter), Randy, & Shelley (Loos); his sons-in-law: Gordon Preis, Dan Hunter, & Mike Loos; his daughter-in-law: Lynn Kaufman. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Amanda Taylor, Chandra Deutsch, Kaylee Tisbert, Jess Preis, Alexandria Preis, Zachary Kaufman, Taylor Kaufman, Nicholas Loos, Nathaniel Loos, and Olivia Loos; 8 great-grandchildren; and two nieces & two nephews. He is also remembered fondly by his cousins: Lester Slivka, Russel Slivka, and Ray Prichard, as well as extended family and special friends to include: Barney Ellis and Jim Nasby.

Gordy was preceded in death by his son, Tim; his parents, Clarence & Marie; his brother, Dean; and his sister, Joyce Swanz.

A Celebration of Life for Gordon will be held on September 20, at 2:00 PM at the Eagles Club. Cremation has taken place with the Cloyd Funeral Home assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to the Lewistown Firefighters Association or the charity of their choice, and they may be left at Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.