Orien Gossett Obituary (2015)

Orien Roy Gossett June 14, 1933- May 15, 2015 Our sweet husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away in his Tooele home surrounded by his family. Orien was born on June 14, 1933 to Orien Pratt and Lula Mae Roy Gossett in Pensacola, Florida. He was the third of five children born into this Naval officer family. Military was a way of life in the Gossett home, and Orien had the opportunity to experience living on many different Naval bases. His family was based in Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941. Orien was only 8 years old and this experience left a lasting memory on Orien and his entire family. The Gossett family resided in San Diego, California, where Orien attended Point Loma High School. After completing high school, Orien enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. After completing Basic Training he was deployed to Korea. He fought as an Army Ranger with the 7th Infantry Regiment, representing his country in 4 tours of duty during the Korean conflict. Orien’s outstanding service was acknowledged with many medals and honors, including the Distinquished Service Cross, 3 Silver Stars, 2 Bronze Stars, 3 Purple Hearts, the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Presidential Unit Citation. Orien was modest about his service and expressed his gratitude for the service that he was able provide for his country. Orien had a strong love for God and country and continued to express his appreciation to those that served within its branches. After serving his country, Orien served his church as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the West Central States Mission, laboring in Montana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska and Idaho. During this time he developed a great love for the state of Montana and its people. Orien returned from his missionary service and enrolled at BYU. It was at BYU that he met the love of his life, Annette Nichols. Orien was a freshman and Annette was a senior. They married in the Los Angeles Temple, and after Annette graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education, the couple moved to California. Orien completed a Bachelors of Liberal Arts and Sciences History degree from San Diego State University. He worked many odd jobs to support his growing family and allow Annette to be at home with the children. Orien completed a Masters of Public Administration degree from BYU, and a Doctorate of Philosophy from Midwestern University. Orien was a life long learner, he loved books, languages and constant learning. He loved writing, and was always working on a new book. He spent his professional career working in various departments of the government. He has 39 published books, and spoke 14 languages. He enjoyed new experiences and had the heart of a gypsy, moving from state to state. After retiring, Orien and Annette served 3 full-time missions; 24 months in Mongolia, 24 months in Hungary and 12 months at the Church office building in Salt Lake City. As Orien aged, he was afflicted by colon cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, and COPD. Our warrior just kept fighting each battle. Orien loved people and has touched the hearts of people all around the world. Orien touched our hearts and his patriarchal leadership will be greatly missed by his family. Orien….We love you! Orien is survived by his wife: Annette Nichols Gossett. Children: Linda (Gossett) and Rex Pearson, Mary Ellen (Gossett) Johnson, Julie (Gossett) and Phillip Meeks, Jenny (Gossett) and Brad Kilburn, Jon (Gossett) and his wife Tracy. 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, Sister: Nancy Easler. He was proceeded in death by his parents: Orien Pratt and Lula Mae Gossett, Brother: Bill Gossett, Sister: Libby Lee, Brother: Daniel Gossett, Son: David Orien Gossett Viewing will be Wednesday, May 20, 2015 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Middle Canyon Ward Building, 777 East Skyline Drive, Tooele, Utah 84074. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to thank Dr. Sergio Arbarca for his continued medical and spiritual care throughout the years. We also acknowledge the kind and loving care provided by Tammy, Jackie and Traci at Harmony Hospice . To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Orien Roy Gossett please visit our Sympathy Store.