Colonel Gordon Allen Brynildsen, US Army (Ret.), 85, passed away May 24th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, athleticism, and deep devotion to his family and faith.
Born on September 22, 1940, in Glasgow, Montana, to Paul and Florence Brynildsen, Gordon was raised in Pocatello and Boise, Idaho. His upbringing in the Presbyterian Church forged a lifelong foundation of faith that guided him through his many years of service to his country and community.
A natural athlete, Gordon excelled in baseball, basketball, and especially tennis. He remained a formidable competitor throughout his life; most notably, while stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1982, he secured a legendary victory over a young Boris Becker, who would later become the world's top-ranked professional player.
Gordon graduated from Oregon State University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, where he was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi. He later earned a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1985.
Following his undergraduate studies, Gordon embarked on a distinguished 28-year career in the United States Army. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served with immense bravery and distinction, earning the Combat Infantry Badge, the Legion of Merit (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) and the Bronze Star (First Oak Leaf Cluster) with Valor, among many other commendations. He retired in 1990 at the rank of Colonel.
After moving to College Station, Texas, Gordon dedicated his retirement to his "true love," tennis, and to tireless volunteer work. He was a familiar face at the Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, and the Special Olympics, always eager to give back to the community that welcomed him.
Gordon found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid gardener with a legendary green thumb for roses and vegetables, a passionate beekeeper, and a fisherman always looking for "just one more cast." Despite being colorblind, he possessed a deep appreciation for the art of Bev Doolittle and P. Buckley Moss, and he found peace in the music of Barbra Streisand and Roger Whitaker. Family gatherings were always marked by a deck of cards for Spades, Cribbage, or a holiday puzzle on the table.
The center of Gordon’s world was his family. He married the love of his life, Suzanne Colley, on August 30, 1968. Together they raised three daughters and built a life filled with laughter and love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his younger sister, Marilyn Kay Brynildsen and grandson, Beau Buehre.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne; his sister, Ruth Eleanor Wegner; his daughters, Melissa (Barri), Melinda (David), and Katie (Mike); five grandchildren, Casey, Nicholas, Gordon, Christian, and Elliot; and three great-grandchildren, Reese, Aislynn, and Brennan.
Gordon’s life was defined by the discipline of a soldier, the heart of a servant, and the soul of a family man. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family expresses their sincere gratitude to the staff at both New Haven Memory Care and Peterson Hospice of Kerrville, Texas, for their compassionate care.
Service and interment will be held at a later date.