| Overall UK Wins: 0 | Overall UK Losses: 1 | Win % 0 |
Date of Birth: September 14, 1938
Date of Death: February 4, 2012
Hometown: American Fork, UT
Alma Mater: Brigham Young
For a generalized listing of officials, please consult this page.
| Date | Matchup | W/L | Score | UK Fouls | Opp Fouls | UK FTA | Opp FTA | UK DQ | Opp DQ | Technicals | Officiating Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/11/1982 | Kentucky vs. Middle Tennessee | L | 44 - 50 | 20 | 7 | 2 | 18 | 1 | 0 | None | John Clougherty, John Dabrow and Gordon Birk |
Obituary - Deseret News (February 12, 2012)
St. George, Utah-Gordon Clyde Birk, age 73, passed away on February 4, 2012, after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer. He was born September 14, 1938 at home in American Fork Utah, the son of John Clyde and Lorna Jones Birk. Gordon was raised in American Fork and graduated from American Fork High School in 1956. He served an LDS Mission in the Central Atlantic States. While serving in Richmond, Virginia he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Whimpey. They married on April 13, 1961 in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. Gordon had three children, Suzanne, Troy and Kimberly. He was particularly proud that they each graduated with degrees in the medical field.
He attended Utah State University, the University of Utah and Brigham Young University where he completed a four year degree in Highway Engineering Technology. He worked as a civil engineer for the Utah Department of Transportation and retired in 1997 after 30 years.
Gordon loved sports! He was a very successful and respected college basketball and football official for 23 years. He had the privilege of traveling all over the continental United States and to Hawaii and Alaska "blowing the whistle!" He enjoyed meeting and interacting with many people associated with college sports. On September 23, 2004 he was inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame, where he received the "Distinguished Officials Award" for outstanding officiating and contributions to Utah sports.
He was a faithful and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gordon was a good example. He served in many positions in the church. He enjoyed serving as bishop of the American Fork 28th (Single Adult) Ward. He loved all the wonderful young adults. He also enjoyed his service as bishop of the Sunset 3rd Ward in St. George. Gordon had a special way of always making each child and young person feel important by knowing them by name and taking an interest in their lives.
He and Barbara served in the West Virginia Charleston Mission from December 2001 to December 2002.
Although he was born, raised and lived most of his life in American Fork, he decided to move to St. George after retiring. He loved the blue sky and sun in St. George! A beautiful day golfing at Sunbrook Golf Course with his friends was the best!
He served his fellowman by constantly performing acts of kindness. He really loved visiting with family and many friends. He was very interested in each grandchild's accomplishments and encouraged them to do their best. His fourteen grandchildren were special to him: McCall, Ali, Birk, Erica, Josh, Zane, Madi, Ross, Caleb, Tara, Scout, Aiden, and twins Cameron and Liam.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara; children Suzanne (Matt) Gundersen of American Fork; Troy (Stephanie) of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Kimberly (Lance) Fitzjarrald of White Salmon, Washington, fourteen grandchildren, two sisters Beverly (Ray) Louder of Orem Utah; Joyce (Kay) Wilson of Washington Utah, and a brother Douglas (Donna) of Manti, Utah.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Indian Hills LDS Chapel in Green Valley, 450 S. Indian Hills Drive, St. George, Utah. Friends and family may visit on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., and Monday, February 13, 2012 from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at the church. Interment and a short graveside service will take place Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. at the American Fork City Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Metcalf Mortuary (435) 673 4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences and complete obituary and funeral listings.
The family wishes to express thanks for all the care given Gordon by Kent Gardner and the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, particularly Dr. Kenneth Grossmann, Carolyn Luckett, Karen O'Driscoll, Vicki Lester, and many others.
In lieu of flowers contributions to the Huntsman Cancer Institute or the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be appreciated.
