Gordon Howard Gadapee, 85, of Salem, Va., died Aug. 8, 2018 at home after losing his battle with cancer. Gordon was born Sept. 14, 1932 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, the sixth child of nine children born to Harold and Eva (Hines) Gadapee. Gordon spent his early childhood years in Tampico on the family farm. His early school years were spent in a one-room schoolhouse a quarter of a mile from the farm. Many stories were told of hard work and farming with horses. He attended high school at St. Johnsbury Trade School, where he enjoyed learning how to use many of the various machines in machine shop. After high school, Gordon joined the National Guard in September 1950. The Guard was on active duty in Germany until 1952. He stayed with the National Guard until 1963, reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. Later he became an active member of the Masonic Temple. Gordon married Norma Wilder of St. Johnsbury and raised three children, Sharon, Lyle and Ellen Gadapee. During this time Gordon held various jobs in the area working for Colby Construction, Ralston Purina and Tap and Die just to name a few. It was in 1959 he started an AI business and affiliated with Curtiss Breeding Service. This job took him to many farms seven days a week for 20 years providing a service for the area dairy farmers. During this time he formed many lasting friendships with the local farmers. In 1978 Curtiss promoted him to New England District Manager. Gordon and Norma also started a successful Morgan horse farm (Nor-ell Morgan Horse Farm) while living in Danville. They spent many years campaigning their favorite stallion, Scott's Sergeant Major, receiving many Vermont State and New England Championship Awards. Their Morgan breeding program led them to sell offspring in Canada as well in the U.S. Many long lasting friendships and acquaintances were made along the way. Gordon changed companies and retired after working 25 more years for Sire Power in Pennsylvania. Norma and Gordon divorced and in 1984 he married Janice Wright of North Danville and they spent 35 years together. After retiring Janice and Gordon spent the next ten years traveling extensively across the United States before settling in Florida. Recently they had moved to Salem, Virginia to be near Janice's family whom Gordon loved and they loved him. Janice and Gordon would always try to return to Vermont at least once a year to visit with his brothers and sister, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gordon is survived by his wife Janice, brothers Glenn and Gary Gadapee and sister Edna Carpenter. Seven children: Sharon Gadapee Parent (Paul); Lyle Gadapee (Susan); Ellen Gadapee Burt (Mike); William Wright (Karen); Jay Wright (Christy); Christine Wright Whitfield (Gino Milani) and Brad Wright (Cindy). Gordon also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many good friends that will miss him. A graveside service will be held at the Massey Cemetery, Stanton Road in North Danville, Sunday, Aug. 26, beginning at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a Celebration of Life at the home of Mike and Ellen Burt, 428 North Danville Road.