GORDON D. VILANDRE

Gordon D. Vilandre, 57 of Crary, ND passed away on Tuesday morning, April 23, 2019 after a courageous battle against his cancer.  He was in the loving care of his family and Altru Hospice. 

Gordon Douglas was born on March 11, 1962 to Richard and Donna (Romdalvik) Vilandre. He was the 6^th of the eleven Vilandre children.  He grew up in Devils Lake and attended Devils Lake Public Schools. Gordy was united in marriage to his soul mate Mary Nilsen on November 2, 1985.  He worked his entire life in the Lake Region and he and Mary were happy to call Crary their home.

Gordy loved hunting, fishing and the outdoors with friends and his dog Tucker. He spent many hours on his boat. He loved his home, working on projects in the garage and entertaining friends who stopped by to check out footage of the game cam from the night before. Gordy enjoyed jumping on the four-wheeler, taking the dog and driving around the countryside.

Gordy’s identity was never defined by his job. He worked hard and gave his best at everything he did. Blessed with many gifts, Gordy shared them with others. He would help with a move or complete a project with friends. Gordy always said of the day ahead of him, “you gotta have a plan.” Gordy was the genuine article, without pretense. What you saw was what you got.

Gordy loved hosting summer picnics and holidays. His favorite times were spent with his family, his siblings and especially his nieces and nephews. Gordy loved children, and kids loved Gordy. Whether it was his infectious smile, his beautiful blue eyes or his quiet way, children were naturally drawn to him.

Gordy’s loving family include his wife Mary; siblings Derwin Vilandre, Ben (Pat) Vilandre, Deb Leben, Shelly (Todd) Laverdure all of Devils Lake, Rob Vilandre, West Fargo, ND, Mary (Darcy) Martin and Jim Vilandre also of Devils Lake and Brian Vilandre of West Fargo; brother-in-law Todd (Angie) Nilsen, Cando, ND. Several beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and their families and cousins also survive.

He was greeted in Heaven by his parents Richard and Donna, step-dad Jack Vilandre, sisters Gale Vilandre and Shirley Olivas, niece Nicole (Olivas) Ramirez, in-laws Philip and Shirley Nilsen and his grandparents.

So many people knew and loved Gordy. He could have 100 pallbearers.  We consider all his friends and family pallbearers.

Gordy is already missed by his many friends and big family, but most of all Gordy will be missed by the love of his life, his wife Mary.

A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at the Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Devils Lake with Pastor Dave Fix officiating. Family wants this to be a celebration, please dress casual and wear your caps.