Gordon Douglas Halsten

Oct 4, 1922 -

Aug 4, 2020

Gordon Douglas Halsten, better known as "Spud," passed away peacefully in his home in Sisters, Ore., on Tuesday morning, Aug. 4, 2020.

He was born in Portland, Ore., on Oct. 4, 1922, as the youngest of five boys. He joined the Coast Guard in 1941, and was stationed at Hidden Inlet, in Alaska. During his tour of duty, he served as Captain of the Port, Chief Security Officer, Head Immigration Officer and Head of Naval Intelligence combined with his duties as radio operator.

After the war was over, he married Dorothy Smith and quickly moved back to Alaska, where they raised their three daughters, Kathleen, Christine and Deborah. His first station was at Sheep Mountain and he soon became an air traffic controller serving as station manager in Sitka, Kotzebue, and Northway. He also became a pilot and later built a cabin at Lake Susitna, where he enjoyed nature and canoeing. He continued his successful career with the FAA and later retired in 1972 with 28 years experience.

In 1980, his nickname became "Yukon Spud" after he canoed approximately 500 miles with a friend down the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City. In 1982, Gordon and Dorothy moved to Sisters and continued their travels, including to Europe. After her death in 1998, he remained in Oregon with daughter Deborah, but often returned to the cabin in Alaska during the summers. He also traveled to Israel and in 2016, went on the Honor Flight for World War II veterans to Washington, D.C.

Always ready with a story and a laugh, his cheerful attitude was a gift to those fortunate enough to call him father and friend. His Christian faith was very important to him and he never hesitated to help those in need whenever and wherever he could.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathleen Hofmann (Larry) of Phoenix, Ariz., Christine Ervin (Dave) of Portland, and Deborah Halsten of Sisters; grandson, David Hofmann (Nikki) of Phoenix; and great-grandchildren, Trey, Shea and Paisley. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, and was interred with military honors at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland where Dorothy is buried as well. A Celebration of Life was held on Aug. 22, 2020, in Sisters.

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