Gilman "Gil" Ordway

Jackson resident Gilman Ordway died May 30 surrounded by family at his Ranch View home, overlooking his beloved Fish Creek Ranch. He was 97. The following was provided by his family.

Jackson Hole has lost a quintessential local. Humanity an exemplar. Mother Nature a peerless friend and champion.

Born on May 7, 1925, during his 97 years Gil touched innumerable lives with his wit and intelligence. Generosity and gentleness. Determination to live a life that reflected his passions, values and beliefs. His deep compassion and fierce love for Jackson Hole, conservation and the natural world.

No formal obituary could do justice to Gil’s long and remarkable life. Instead, family, friends and colleagues have contributed anecdotes and observations capturing pieces of Gil’s character, his deeds, his journey on Earth. With luck these verbal tiles will form a mosaic-like glimpse into Gil Ordway – an extraordinary man who, in his own, quiet, understated way, lived an extraordinary life.

In addition to Marge, his wife of 50 years, Gil is survived by daughters Kitty and Gigi, son Griffin, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Gil’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, at St. John’s Episcopal Church. For those unable to attend the event will be streamed at stjohnsjackson.org/live/. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Gil’s name to the Jackson Hole Land Trust at JHLandTrust.org