Rainy River lost one of its sons Wednesday eve, Sept. 5, 2001, when Gene passed away at La Verendrye hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Mourning his passing are his wife, Ruth, of 51 years; three children, son, Gary and wife, Colleen, of Fort Frances, Ont., daughter, Susan and husband, Lance Whalen, of Fort Frances, Ont., and son, Glen and wife, Jennifer, of Winnipeg, Man.; and his grandchildren, Erin, Andrew, Justin, Natalie, Stacey, and Geoffrey.
He will be sadly missed by his sister, Jessie Martinson of Rainy River, Ont.; four nieces; and many friends and neighbours.
Gene was predeceased by his father, Andrew; mother, Annelia; elder brother, Walter; and infant grandson, Paul.
Gene was born May 16, 1917 and educated in Rainy River, Ont. During W.W.II, he served in the RCAF, stationed in London, England. After the war, he returned home and purchased the grocery store known as the Foodway.
On Aug. 29, 1950, he was united in marriage to Ruth Drum-mond, a teacher from Dryden, Ont. After selling the Foodway, he was employed by Canada Customs and Immigration, posted at Rainy River until his retirement.
Gene was interested and excelled in numerous sports. His passions also included riding horses, Friday night dances at the Brink Center, his annual moose hunting trip, and vacationing with his family.
He made a point of visiting each of his children and their families, developing a strong bond of love. Always a perfect gentleman, Gene was well-known for his generosity, his hospitality, and the gift to make everyone he met feel special.
Prayers and a memorial service by the Royal Canadian Legion Maj. Hughes Branch #54 were conducted Friday evening, Sept. 7, 2001 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church in Rainy River.
Funeral services were conducted by Father James Panikulam at Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church in Rainy River on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2001 at 1 p.m.
Pallbearers were grandsons, Justin Whalen, Andrew Bynkoski, and Geoffrey Bynkoski, and friends, Bill Marmus Sr., Vaughn Murray, and Dan Usiski.
Honourary pallbearers were Clarence Olinyk, Harry Sawchuk, Steve Yeryk, Alex Warnuk, and Archie Wiersema.
Interment was held Monday, Sept. 10, 2001 in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River, with Rainy River Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Gene will always be remembered for his faithfulness to God and his church but most of all his unwavering loyalty to his family.
Dad
The man who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.
Who has gained the adoration of his children and grandchildren.
Who leaves the world better than he found it.
Who has never lacked appreciation for the earth’s beauty.
Who never fails to look for the best in others, or give of himself completely.
Then gives us powerful horses and endless sun-soaked meadows, that we may cross over and return.
So ride on ahead cowboy, we will meet you on the other side.
