Gene Spencer passed away at his home in Brookings on Aug. 9, 2011. He was 93.

 Gene was born Nov. 1, 1917, in Denver, Colo., the only child of Elmer and Beulah (Barnhardt) Spencer. He grew up in Southern California. 

Gene served with the Civilian Conservation Corps out of high school, after which he attended the University of Southern California for two years before moving to Klamath Falls. 

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941 spending a year in Alaska, then being sent to Officers Candidate School where he was promoted to captain. He completed his military career serving a year and a half in the European Theater being stationed as part of the 8th Air Force in England, France and Belgium. Gene’s meritorious service earned him the Purple Heart, Presidential Citation and the Bronze Star.

In 1941 Gene married Wanda Helen Dodson, having two children, Susan and Bob. They later divorced. 

After his military service, Gene returned to Klamath Falls briefly before being recruited to work for Bear Creek Corporation/Harry & David by then-President David Holmes. He would spend his career with the company, rising to the level of Director of Product Development, a position that allowed Gene to travel all over the U.S. and Europe in search of new ideas.

On Aug. 13, 1964, Gene married his soul mate Meredith Ann Baker in Lake Tahoe, Nev.

Following his retirement in 1980, the couple moved to Brookings where Gene was very active in the community.  He was a member of Star of the Sea Catholic Church along with being a member of the Knights of Columbus, advancing to the 4th Degree Knight. He volunteered at the Brookings State Welcome Center, also being named Brookings Citizen of the Month in June 1996. Other memberships included being a 28-year member of the Elks Lodge, and working with the Oregon South Coast Fishermen. When Gene wasn’t volunteering, he and Ann enjoyed traveling in their RV, including winters in Arizona, fishing on the ocean on their boat, the “Lady Ann,” hunting and golfing.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Ann, of Brookings; daughter Susan Quitt of Medford; son Robert Spencer (Lori) of Cornville, Ariz.; grandchildren Shelley Lillesve (Raef), Kymberly Swann (Michael), John Spencer (Linda), and Julie Nemeth (Adam); great-grandchildren Derek, Kiera, Makenzie, Ava, Leela, Kylie, Alli and Cooper; former son-in-law, David Quitt and former daughter-in-law, Janet Spencer; and niece Wanda Perkins.

Gene was well known for his generous giving of time and love to all those in need, and for always having a twinkle in his eye and a joyful smile.

Memorial contributions may be made to Coastal Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 493, Gold Beach, OR 97444 or to the South Coast Humane Society, P.O. Box 7833, Brookings, OR 97415.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 820 Old County Road, Brookings. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will precede the Mass at 10:15 a.m. A luncheon reception will follow in the Parish Hall.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.redwoodmemorial.net.