Eugene William Ives
January 1, 1927 - April 21, 2009
Obituary
Eugene ‘Gene’ William Ives, age 82, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in Seattle as a result of complications from heart surgery. Born January 1, 1927 in Tukwila, Washington, Gene was the first baby born in King County in 1927. He enjoyed an adventuresome childhood, roaming the Tukwila hills and swimming in the Duwamish River. He worked at Foster Golf Links while attending Foster High school, graduating in 1945. Gene excelled at golf and football. He left school his senior year to serve in the Merchant Marines during WWII. After the war, he returned to Tukwila and in 1948 married his high school sweetheart, Helen Kassner.
Gene and Helen made their home in Tukwila on property that had been a chicken farm. They had an orchard and raised sheep and, for a time, bees. It was a wonderful place to grow up for Gene and Helen’s three children. Gene served as a Tukwila volunteer fire fighter, president of the Foster Golf Links Men’s Club in 1954 – 1955, and Tukwila City Councilman from 1960 – 1967. For 60 years, Gene worked as warehouse manager and in other capacities for Industrial Warehouse and Industrial Transfer & Storage, the family companies. He loved his job.
Gene liked physical work and was always up for a project, especially if it meant using his bulldozer, backhoe or other big equipment. Gene liked music and was a good dancer. He enjoyed camping and hunting and more recently, logging and cutting wood. Most of all, Gene liked visiting with people. He had many friends, life-long and otherwise; he loved telling stories and just shooting the breeze.
Gene was a good man. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and fun, his generosity, and his love of family and friends. He will be deeply missed
Gene is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen; son, Ben Patsy Stensaker Ives; daughters, Patricia David Larson and Peggy John McCarthy; six grandchildren, Jessi Richardson, Trevor Jennifer Larson, Michael McCarthy, Erin McCarthy, Kerry McCarthy and Riley McCarthy; two great-grandchildren, Maquel Larson and Kaleb Larson. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, 04/28 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 12:30 pm at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 206 242-1787. Committal at Riverton Crest Cemetery. Donations may be made to the charity of choice or the Tukwila Pantry, 3118 S. 140th Street, Tukwila WA 98168.
Helen and family,
I am so sad to hear about the loss of Papa Gene. I will always remember how important family was to Papa Gene. His sense of humor kept us smiling whenever he was around. He made me feel like part of the family with his kindenss and generosity. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
With love,
Alder Hendrickson
Dear Helen and family,
So sorry to hear about Gene. I always got a kick out of him. He had a good humor about him. So different from his brother. I always remember when I was little and I first met him and he put out his hand and said “put your hand in the big vise”. That was great.
condolences, Bruce
Helen and all the family. Our prayers are with you. One of the current goals in City of Tukwila is to make the city a better place to live, to work, and to raise our families. Gene, Helen and all the family have certainly gone overboard to accomplish this over the years and everyone in the city is sincerely grateful.
Mrs. Ives, I have been a friend and business associate of Ben’s for many years. I had the pleasure of meeting Gene while the warehouse was still in operation in downtown Seattle. Gene was a good man, a hard worker, involved in helping others, just as Ben is. Jay Foley
I grew up with Helen and Gene here in Tukwila, and am amongst the few
remaining “old originals” left in town. I wish to express my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you Helen for the loss of your beloved husband. Also would like to let the family know that my thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time. Gene sure will be missed, he was a great guy, and will always be remembered.
With Love, Ruth Hawley
What a shock it was for me to hear that Gene had passed away! I will sure miss seeing him drive by in his red pick-up truck, with a wave and a smile, he often stopped to visit for a few minutes. To Helen, Pattsy, Peggy, our neighbor Jessi, and the rest of the family I’d like to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. Words just don’t seem adequate at a time like this, you are all in my prayers.
Love, DeeDee
For the family and friends of Gene. This poem has been a comfort to us in our family for many years. We hope you’ll also be blessed and comforted by it.
SHOULD YOU GO FIRST
Should you go first, and I remain to walk the road alone,
I’ll live in memory’s garden dear, with the happy days we’ve known.
In spring, I’ll wait for the roses red, in summer, lilacs blue;
In autumn, when the brown leaves fall, I’ll catch a breath of you.
Should you go first, and I remain for battles to be fought,
Each thing you’ve touched along the way will be a hallowed spot.
I’ll hear you voice, I’ll see your smile though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your loving hand will buoy me on with hope.
Should you go first, and I remain to finish with the scroll,
No dark shadows shall creep in to make this life seem droll.
We’ve known so much of happiness, we’ve had our cup of joy;
The memory is one gift of God, that death cannot destroy.
Should you go first, and I remain, one thing I’d have you know,
Walk slowly down the path of death, for soon I’ll follow you.
I’ll want to know each step you take, that I may walk the same,
For some day, down that lonely road you’ll hear me call you name.
Helen and family,sorry to hear Gene has passed. Ben is my stepdad. I recall the time my Mother, Ben and I flew to Seattle to spend time with Gene and Helen. I remember Gene as a wonderful guy with alot to share.His sense of humor being one of them.I wish I would have been able to visit more.My best memory is when we went to the beachhouse. That was a fun time I will always remember.Thank you for making me feel like family.Our prayers are with you all Suzanne and Herman
HELEN AND FAMILY – SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF GENE. GROWING UP WE WOULD HEAR LOTS OF FUNNY STORIES ABOUTGENE AND DAD IN THE GOOD OLD TUKWILA DAYS. THERE WERE ALOT OF LAUGHS IN THE BICKNELL HOUSE. HE HAD A VERY VERY SPECIALSPOT IN MOMS HEART AND OURS TOO. ALWAYS SAW HIIM WITH A BIG SMILE FOR EVERYONE.
Gene and I were best of friends since I first met him in l941. We shared many good laughs together over the years. I will miss him and his great sense of humor.
Sorry to hear of Gene’s passing, as I know how you must feel. Helen, you are so lucky to have family to help you through this hard time. Give my best regards to Ben, Patsy and Peggy.
Gene was a great guy that I first met in 1934 when I moved to Foster. He was on the first Championship Football team Foster High in 1942 with me and his many friends and comrades. My wife Katherine nee Ostrom/Shults also sends her condolences.
Gene will always live in my memory with a big smile, hard working and loyal friend to my grandparents. Everytime I was around, I’d always get a hug and hear a laugh. To all family, I am very sorry for your loss!