Bruce Andrew Gordon, 85, of North Platte passed away August 7, 2024 at his home, with family by his side. He was born December 15, 1938 to Billie and Thelma (Bandy) Gordon in Alliance, NE.
Bruce was raised in the Rackett community of Garden County where he attended rural schools, and graduated from Lewellen Rural High School in 1956. Bruce married Carol Benzen on August 25th, 1957. Bruce worked for his family’s ranch, a few other ranches and a fencing contractor, living in Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado. Bruce and Carol had three children, Pamela Sue, Timothy Bruce, and Polly Mae. In 1967, Bruce became a Brand Inspector for the State of Nebraska. He began working for the Brand Committee in Scottsbluff, and was relocated to Red Cloud, then Franklin, and later, North Platte. Cattlemen in the area valued his work ethic and ease of working their cattle. Bruce met his companion Anna Goodman in 1990, they shared many trail rides and their love for horses and dogs. He retired from the Nebraska Brand Committee at the age of 62. He may have been “retired” but he went to work as an estate caretaker for his neighbor and good friend, Kevin. Bruce loved being outdoors, his horses and pets, he took in strays and adopted quite a few rescue dogs, who became family members. He had a great love and respect for horses. He trained many, and had an excellent eye for a horse with a good mind and confirmation. His skills with horses were valued by those that knew him, and he spent many years sharing that knowledge with the local 4-H club. Bruce loved to fish and hunt, especially deer, antelope, pheasant, and duck. He and Tim took many week-long trips camping and fishing, and he hunted at the Newcastle Wyoming ranch where his Dad and brother lived for many years. Bruce loved attending rodeos, especially watching the athleticism of the animals, with a special affinity for the bucking bulls, bucking horses, and barrel horses. He took Polly to a 4H horse show, horse sale or rodeo, whenever he could. Bruce was very private and thoughtful, with always a smile for everyone.
Survivors include children, Tim (Rhonda) Gordon of Oakland, Arkansas, Polly (Clayton Colson) Dimmitt of Pierre, South Dakota; Grandchildren, Brenna and Gracie of Pierre; companion, Anna Goodman of North Platte; sibling, Linda Johnson of Cambridge; numerous other family members and friends.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Billie and Thelma; daughter, Pamela; brother, Gary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to North Platte Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be held 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Hannah Doyle Burch officiating. Burial will follow at Ash Hollow Cemetery near Lewellen. Visitation will be noon-5:00 P.M., Monday, August 12, 2024 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.