Richard Lee Gordon, 57, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2002 at LDS Hospital as a result of a hemorrhage of the brain. Richard was born January 23, 1945 in American Fork, Utah to Junious and Helen Johnson Gordon. He was an optimist and peacemaker with an endless sense of humor. His family and friends will always remember his cheerful willingness to help others. Richard grew up in Santaquin and the Provo/Orem area and was the Senior Class President at Orem High School, graduating in 1963. He served in the Brazil South Mission from 1964 to 1966. He greatly enjoyed his mission and often shared stories about his mission with his family. After his mission he continued his education at BYU.  While at BYU, he met his "love", Monteen Drury of Provo. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on January 22, 1968. Richard served at ROTC Cadet Commander during his Senior year at Brigham Young University and graduated in 1969. He entered the Air Force in July 1969 and became an Air Force pilot, taking his flight training at Laughlin AFB, Texas. He was stationed at McGuire AFB, New Jersey where he flew the C-141 Starlifter during the Vietnam War. After leaving the Air Force, he worked for Mt. Bell and AT&T in Marketing and joined the Utah Air National Guard flying the KC-135 tanker. He was activated to full time duty during the Gulf War and continued in the UTANG until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1999. As a pilot in the Air Force and Utah Air National Guard he flew all over the world. Richard served in many callings in the LDS church. Richard loved the outdoors and camping. He had many hobbies and especially loved BYU football. He loved God, his family,his fellow man and his country. Richard is survived by his wife, Monteen, six children: Laralee (Dave) Ireland, Orem, Michelle Gordon, Orem, Gina (Eric) Peterson, American Fork, Ami (Brent) Muhlstein, Orem, Stephen (McKenna) Gordon, Provo, and Michael Gordon: several grandchildren: two sisters, Bettylou (Jim) Bean of Elkridge, Janice (Rafael) Castillo, Orem; two brothers, J.D. (Florence) Gordon of Orem and Stan (Ellen) Gordon, Vernal.  He was preceded in death by his parents.