Gordon Aurthur Cockrum, 73, of Pullman, Washington, passed away peacefully at home in Pullman.

Gordon was born in Wenatchee, Washington, where he grew up on Old Rock Island Road, next door to his maternal grandparents and the family cherry orchard. From an early age, Gordon learned the value of hard work, spending countless hours working in the orchard and helping with the family’s garden and various farm animals. Those early years shaped him in lasting ways. He developed a lifelong appreciation for beautiful, well-kept trees, a strong work ethic, and close family bonds. He grew up with his older sister, Tana, and his parents, Aurthur Cockrum and Marilyn Welton Cockrum.

Gordon attended Washington State University, where he studied agricultural economics, beginning a lifelong love of Cougar sports. He said goodbye to the rolling hills of the Palouse in the rearview mirror of his orange Volkswagen Beetle, not knowing that in a few short years he would return to Pullman to raise a family and spend the rest of his life calling it home.

Gordon married Brenda Laymance in November 1975 and shared 50 beautiful years of marriage. Having both grown up in East Wenatchee, their families knew one another, but they officially met when Gordon came in for a haircut at the salon where Brenda worked. What began as a haircut and a date went on to become many wonderful years of raising a family together—and a lifetime of free haircuts for Gordon.

Gordon built his career with The McGregor Company in Colfax, Washington, where he worked for more than 30 years. He was dedicated and known for his determination and strong sense of integrity. Gordon believed in doing things right, solving problems, and following through. He was also a faithful friend who built lifelong relationships with those he worked with, many of whom he came to consider his closest friends.

Gordon was straightforward, loyal, and determined. He was also known for being exceptionally punctual, impeccably dressed, and very particular about his lawn. He was always happy to offer driving advice—whether it was requested or not. He loved golfing, fishing, boating, top-shelf tequila, country music, and watching sports. He was a diehard WSU Cougar football fan and held season tickets for more than 35 consecutive years. He especially loved time at the family lake house, “Fish Camp,” where he could fish, boat, and cook enormous breakfasts for family and friends. He was happiest when everyone was gathered around the table enjoying the fish he had fried, the steak he had cooked, or the ribs he had smoked.

Gordon was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He taught his daughters the importance of perseverance, integrity, problem-solving, and love. He was delighted to have grandchildren to teach and spoil, and he loved finding special and unique gifts for all five of them and taking them to Cougar football games.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughters Melissa Cockrum Wilson and her husband, Matt, and Erin Cockrum Bacon and her husband, Adam; grandchildren Kennedee (20), Liam (17), Eben (14), Harper (14), and Colton (12); sister Tanna Luque and her family; cousin Lynn Cockrum and his family, and his beloved cat, Peaches.

Gordon will be remembered for his loyalty, sharp sense of humor, perfectly maintained lawn, love of the Cougars, legendary breakfasts, and the many ways he brought his family and friends together. His family will miss his stories, his advice, his stubborn determination, and, of course, his impeccable sense of time management.

Gordon was deeply loved by his family and friends. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, traditions, stories, and lessons that will continue to be shared for generations. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.