Gordon Harry Fordyce, 83

Gordon Harry Fordyce, age 83, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2010 unexpectedly at his home in Carroll, Iowa.
     Born on December 12, 1926 at Racine, Wisconsin, he was the son of Harry and Harriet (Pratt) Fordyce.  He grew up in Emmetsburg, Iowa, where he attended school.  In 1945 he enlisted in the United States Army and served 20 years.  He was married to Arlys Ness on December 12, 1951 at Thief River Falls, Minnesota.   He served during WW II and the Korean War.  He earned the Korean Service Metal, the National Service Defense Metal, and he had nine letters of commendation.  After active duty he was an Army Recruiter in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class SFC E7.  After he retired from the military he worked for the Ralston Purina Company as a district manager from 1965 – 1988.  He then started his own independent cattle consulting business at age 62 which he was currently working at.  He was a member of the V.F.W., the American Legion, the Elk’s Lodge B.P.O.E..  Gordon was an avid hunter, fisherman, and sports enthusiast.  He was a recognized expert in the cattle industry.  He was inducted into the National Tarentaise Hall of Fame.  Most importantly, he cherished his family, friends, and cattle partners.
     Surviving are three daughters: Laureen Hollifield and her husband Mason of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Cynthia Gullicks and her husband Ronald of Duluth, Minnesota, and Paula Yanish and her husband Wayne of Eaton, Colorado; a son Michael Fordyce and his wife Sandra of DeWitt, Michigan; 11 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; a brother-in-law Curt Ness and his wife Bonnie of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; and a sister-in-law Lois Johnson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
    A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.