Gene E. Anderson

Gene passed away peacefully on the morning of 8/24/24 at the age of 95. Born in Pasco and raised in Spokane, Gene graduated from John Rogers High and joined the Navy soon after, serving four years as an aeronautical engineer. A proud Coug, he attended WSU after completing his service. Upon his graduation, Gene worked as an industrial engineer, spending the majority of his career in the fruit processing and packing industry before departing to start his own business. He owned and operated several successful temporary help agencies throughout Eastern Washington, “retiring” in 2000 to open River City Spice, Tea, Coffee and Fudge, where for 10 years he enjoyed chatting with customers and giving away fudge samples. Gene liked to say he was a people person and a “nonsense guy.” His sense of humor, love of a good joke, and enthusiasm for life endeared him to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Guided by the principle of “service above self,” it was fitting that Gene was a 58-year member of Rotary, during which time he was instrumental in helping build the Lincoln Park skate park, Rotary Play Village, and Rotary Park. Over the years, Gene’s passion for service led him to volunteer at many community organizations, including Mended Hearts, Lunch Buddies, the Wenatchee Park Board, the Wenatchee Riverfront Railway, Community Concert Board, SCORE, Big Brothers, Planned Parenthood and the Chamber of Commerce, to name but a few. Gene is survived by his daughters, Julie (Bill) Blume and Valerie (Ned) Fox; grandchildren, Courtney and Kyle Blume and Sam and Hallie Fox; his long-time partner, Lois Adamson; and his stepsisters, Lorraine Battaglia and Bernie Moore. Gene leaves a legacy of love for his family, endless generosity, and a commitment to making the world a better place. He will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held at the Saddlerock Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Saturday,11/2/24, at 2:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

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Gene E. Anderson

December 30, 1928 - August 24, 2024