Gordon "Gordy" Wayne Boge, 67, formerly of Idaho Falls, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in New Mexico.

He was born on September 8, 1956, in Portland, Oregon. His parents, Charles Robert Boge and Loura Janeice Vance Boge, settled the family in Idaho Falls in 1964 where Gordon grew up with his older brother, Ron, and his younger sister, Karen.

During his early years living in Idaho Falls, Gordon attended Edgemont Gardens Elementary School, Claire E. Gale Junior High School, and Skyline High School. He learned how to hunt and fish from his father, uncles, and grandfathers, which helped foster his love for outdoor activities.  Gordy was active in Indian Guides and the Boy Scouts.  As teenagers, Gordon and his siblings spent each summer working on the family ranch in Challis, where they raised beef cattle and alfalfa hay.

As a young person, Gordy went with his family on periodic ski trips to several local ski areas, including Kelly's Canyon and Grand Targhee. He quickly became an avid skier, eventually joining the Idaho Falls Ski team in junior high school.  Ski racing became his passion, and he enjoyed competing at a high level.  After graduating from Skyline in 1974, he attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and continued his ski racing career with their ski team. After leaving the University of Utah early, he attended several other colleges and spent some time working on a Christmas tree farm in North Carolina.

Gordon eventually returned to the University of Utah and graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in finance. Soon after graduation he went to work for the Idaho Nuclear Experimental Laboratory (INEL/INL) completing a 25+ year career as a facility project specialist.  After retiring from the INEL, he continued to live in Idaho Falls for several years until making a move to the warmer climate of New Mexico.

To say that Gordy's passion was skiing is an understatement.  In his own words, he chased the speed of the sport on all levels.  He enjoyed coaching young ski racers and showed them by example how far they could go – not just in the sport, but in life – if they were focused and applied themselves.  However, later in his life Gordon developed some health conditions that drastically reduced his physical abilities. Throughout that time in his life, he fiercely held on to all the lessons he had gained while on the ski hill. His determination to challenge himself every day opened the doors for a unique experience in March 2015.

Gordon had the opportunity to experience the thrill and freedom of skiing once again on the slopes of Sun Valley.  He partnered with an organization called Higher Ground (highergroundusa.org), whose mission is to enhance life through therapeutic recreation and education. Through their adaptive sports program, he once again was free to feel the exhilaration of downhill skiing.  That experience stayed with him for the remainder of his life.  There is a short YouTube video from this trip – search for "Gordon Boge's Excellent Sun Valley Adventure."

Gordon was preceded in death by his mother. He is survived by his father, Charlie Boge, his brother Ron (Bets Davis), and sister Karen (Rich Browne), as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Gordy's friends and to his medical service providers for their love and support, especially during the past few years.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Higher Ground, highergroundusa.org.  Condolences may be sent to the family  at www.coltrinmortuary.com.