Gordon Ellis
June 13, 1925 ~ May 14, 2011
Gordon passed away on May 14, 2011 at Sanford Health Palliative Care in Fargo at the age of 85.
Gordon H. Ellis was born on June 13, 1925, in Fargo. As a son of Harry and Minnie (Brennan) Ellis he shared the Wolverton, MN family home with six brothers and sisters.
Gordon entered the Marine Corps in 1944 serving in the Solomon Islands, on Okinawa and in China. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action May 16, 1945.
Gordon married the love of his life, best friend, teammate and partner, Cecile Carlson on June 30, 1949 in Wolverton, MN. They made their home in Grand Forks, ND and later in Bismarck, ND and Boulder, CO.
Gordon began his college experience while also working as a telegrapher and relay agent for the Great Northern Railway in Willmar, MN, Williston, ND and Grand Forks, ND. He earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of North Dakota, his Doctorate from the University of Colorado.
Gordon had a lifelong passion for learning and education. He began his career in education as a teacher and administrator with the Grand Forks schools, later as the Director of Elementary Education for the State of North Dakota and, until his retirement, an administrator and school analyst for the Boulder, CO school district.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 61 years, Cecile Ellis; his daughter, Katherine (Steve) Linstrom of Lafayette, Co; his son, Kent (Jacquie) Ellis of Bismarck, ND; his four grandchildren - Ryan (Lindsey) Harris of Golden, CO; Kate Harris of Denver, CO; Scott Ellis of Minot, ND; Hayley Ellis of Bismarck, ND; and one great granddaughter, Kaiya Harris; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to: Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Ste. 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057 or to the charity of donor's choice.
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Louisville ColoradoGordon was one of the best principals ever to work with the staff of Mesa Elementary in Boulder, Colorado. He will be missed.
Broomfield COGordon was a major influence in my education career. He was a friend and mentor and my memories of working with him are very special. I met Gordon at the University of Colorado when I was working on my teaching certificate. He invited me to teach for him at Mesa and I started my career in 1971 with Gordon as my principal. He encouraged my work in staff development and prodded me gently, but firmly, to get a Master’s in Administration. I did and he coached me right out of Mesa and into my administrative career in our district. I will be always grateful to Gordon for his support, his friendship, his sense of humor and his sage advice. He was our “Dean of Principals” and he will be remembered fondly.
Boulder ColoradoDear Cec,
We are so sorry to learn of your loss.
You and your husband did so very much in your careers in the education area for families in Boulder, Colorado.
So kind, understanding and knowledgeable, it was always easy to tell you liked what you did.
Although we know you and Gordon enjoyed North Dakota
, we wish you were here for the outpouring of love and concern from the Boulder area. Thank you so much for including the obituary in the Boulder paper.
Love,
Kevin and Maureen
San Diego CAGordon became my Uncle when I married his nephew, Jim Sundahl. Kala Ellis (my mother-in-law was Gordon’s sister). We visited them in Boulder and Gordon visited us in San Diego and treated me as a royal member of their family. Gordon always will hold a special place in my heart and his curious nature to learn more about everything. Cecil, you are a star too!
My love and prayers are surrounding you.
Sharla Sundahl Barry
Glendale WisconsinDear Cec and Family: Our sincerest sympathies to you and yours on the loss of Gordon. He was a true friend and wonderful mentor.
Agnes and Ron Stastney
Boulder COIt is with sadness that I read of the passing of Gordon Ellis. As an elementary school principal in Boulder, Colorado I had the pleasure of working with Gordon on many committees and activities. He was a wonderful eductor who contributed greatly to our community. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.
Golden COOn this day wishing you hope in the midst of your sorrow and joy as you celebrate Gordon’s full life. Your friends in Colorado and the Legendary Ladies join with you during this difficult time.
Love, Joyce
Northglenn COGordon’s lovely family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Evart MI
Dear Ellis Family,
We were saddened to see the obituary for Mr. Ellis.
He was a good person to work with and to know.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Ken & Ann Willems
Thornton COMr. Ellis literally changed my life when he hired me as music specialist at Mesa Elementary. His abilities as an administrator are unparalleled because of his caring, focus on what is best for students, and his uncanny ability to hire a cohesive staff. Thank you, Mr. Ellis for setting such a high standard for everyone and for helping us all achieve it! Love to you, Cec!!!
cindy
Lander WyomingDear Cec & family,
I’m sorry to hear about Gordon’s passing. I did not know him well, but I could tell you two had a wonderful marriage and I have fond memories of our days together at Aurora 7. Sympathies to you all.
Barbara
Alvarado MN
We have happy memories of meeting the Ellis family at Augustana Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. Many years later, we met at a UND Alumni gathering and had a lovely visit at their CO home. We know your faith in God will help you through these sad days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Grand Forks ND
Dear Mrs. Ellis,
I have the fondest memories of times spent with your family. The wonderful laughs, playing the bells, picking out and decorating a Christmas tree, and a fun Halloween party.
When I think of Mr. Ellis of course I see you by his side. It seemed liked the two of you were joined at the hip. You both enjoyed the same activities and where one was you were bound to find the other.
Your marriage is an example to many of what it means to be committed no matter what happens in life.
My heart is with your family. I will certainly be thinking of you even though I will be in a classroom of fourth graders.
Lots of love, Ilene Monda Anderson
Boulder COOur prayers and love are with you and the family. I was blessed to work with the greatest principal that ever lived. We have nothing but the fondest memories of Cec and Gordon.
Fargo, ND
I had such a good visit with Gordon just a short time ago at church. So shocked when I heard the news of his passing.
Please know that my prayers and belssings go to you and your family Cecile.