Gordon Edgar Warrington, 79

Gordon Edgar Warrington, Ph.D., 79, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Raised on a dairy farm in eastern Ohio, Gordon was educated in natural systems, earning a Ph.D. and spending a career as “Dr. Dirt,” a soil scientist with the U.S. Forest Service. Gordon was a pioneer for using computerized mapping technology in our national forests. He and his wife, Barbara, were original members of the Peace Corps, spending two years in Honduras helping a small community develop improved agricultural practices. His hobbies included aviation and sailing. He held a private pilot’s license for a period of time and enjoyed owning and operating a 21-foot sailboat for many years. Gordon was also an accomplished machinist, spending time in his St. Ignatius workshop solving problems and creating tools with his lathe. Gordon maintained an intimate relationship with the Salish Tribe and hosted tours to local elementary school children on the National Bison Range. He also made extensive contributions to the research and understanding of Glacial Lake Missoula and the Ice Age floods.

A loving husband and supportive father, Gordon was married for 54 years to his wife Barbara, together raising two sons. A thoughtful and intellectual man with a great appreciation for the natural world around him, Gordon expressed an intense curiosity, always willing to learn more. He shared his enjoyment and appreciation of nature, forests and mountains with his entire family. He will be missed.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Barbara; two children, Michael and Kevin; and two grandchildren, Geneva and Logan.

Donations to the National Bison Range in his name may be made to National Bison Range, 58355 Bison Range Road, Moeise, MT 59824. Please make checks payable to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A section of Highway 93 north of Saint Ignatius will be named in his memory.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home and Crematory in Ronan, Montana. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.shriderthompson.com. Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home, Ronan, is assisting the Warrington family.