In Loving Memory of Industry Icon, Linda Gordon

By: Brittany Bevis

We are saddened to share the news that one of our friends, and an icon in the Halter horse industry across all breeds, Linda Gordon, has passed away. The support, knowledge, and enthusiasm that she and her late husband, Gary, provided to the horse industry through their carefully cultivated breeding program, generous sponsorship of events, and involvement in futurities is incalculable.

Horses like Grand Slam Touchdown, Image of Kid, FG A True Fella, Im Tee Totally Cool, Mr. Yella Fella, FG Versace, and so many more will be synonymous with the name- Fossil Gate Farms- and the dynamic duo of Gary and Linda Gordon for years to come.

In addition to their love of horses, the couple enjoyed traveling to faraway destinations like Australia, China, Thailand, Russia, Bora Bora, and Tahiti. They were also hard core Dallas Cowboys fans and would often attend home games with their horse show friends and family.

We will fondly remember Linda’s smiling face at events- cheering on her home-bred show horses and spectating with friends. Our sincerest condolences go out to her family and friends during this time. We hope they find solace in the knowledge that Linda and Gary are reunited together once again.

We have received the following memorial from Linda’s family.

Linda Thompson Gordon, born in Dallas, Texas on May 28, 1954, passed gracefully and peacefully into the hands of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 18, 2021, in Denton, Texas.  She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Thompson, and her sister, Christy Thompson. Linda grew up as a member of Highland Park Methodist Church. She graduated from Southern Methodist University where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Linda had a successful career working alongside her father, James Cleo Thompson, Jr. and her sister, Christy Thompson, in the family businesses, including oil and gas operations and exploration and ranching. Linda met Gary Gordon in 1994 while he was judging a horse show. They fell in love and were happily  married for 22 years. They were a perfect match with his knowledge and love for the horse business. Together, they raised many World Champion horses.

Linda Gordon loved life and, to her, life meant horses… Linda’s participation and accomplishments in the equine industry were far reaching. Linda was involved in the Halter industry, the Quarter Horse racing industry, and, more recently, the Barrel Racing industry. Linda was extremely influential in many aspects of the horse industry for decades.
 

Linda was involved in many equine breed associations. Fossil Gate Farms and Linda were active breeders in APHA, AQHA, ApHC, IBRA, ABRA, and PHBA, and were synonymous with the best in the business. Fossil Gate Farms and Linda Gordon were synonymous with the best in the business. Many World Champions were bred and raised by Linda Gordon, and her favorite time of the year was breeding and foaling season. She was an active and hands-on participant in the daily operations of Fossil Gate Farms.
 
Linda was a Lifetime Member of the American Paint Horse Association. She was a National Director and State Director for 28 years serving as chairman of many committees. She was appointed to serve on special committees for APHA because her business knowledge was well-known.
 
The Texas Paint Horse Club was a primary focus for Linda for many years. She was ardently involved in many aspects of the TPHC having served as President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, and Chairman of the Scholarship Committee.  Linda worked diligently to develop the Scholarship Program for the Texas Paint Horse Club.
 

Linda served on the AQHA Hall of Fame Committee. She was a major financial contributor to the AQHA Halter Classes at the AQHA World Show. Linda was very proud of Jess Walking Thru, the AQHA World Champion Racing 2-Year-Old Mare in 2014. After a very successful racing career, Jess went on to become the foundation of the Fossil Gate Farms Quarter Horse Racing Division. 

Linda served on the Board of Directors of the Breeders Halter Futurity for 10 years. She was instrumental in the success of the BHF. Linda brought her business expertise and acumen to the BHF Board. She will be sorely missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials for Linda be directed to her family fund named for her parents, Dorothy and James Cleo Thompson, Jr. Memorials may be sent to UT Southwestern 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas TX 75390-9009

“This is our life,” Linda said with a smile. “We both love the horses and the challenge of producing the best Halter horses in the world. Seeing the success that our clients have when they get out in the show pen is what makes this all worthwhile. It’s very rewarding.” (Linda Gordon, 2015).

Fossil Gate Farms- Gary and Linda Gordon’s Pursuit of Perfection in the 2015 edition of The Equine Chronicle.