Gene Ping

Gene Ping, age 90, passed away at his home in South Bend, Washington on Friday, July 10, 2026, with his daughters by his side.

Dad was born Nov. 8, 1935, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Leonard and Goldie Ping. He graduated from Willapa Valley High School in 1955. Dad married the love of his life, Peggy (Harmer), on Jan. 14, 1956. They were married for 60 years prior to her death in 2015. They had four daughters.

Dad had a tremendous love for the outdoors. His first job at the age of 14 was with Bill Edward Landscaping. This is where his passion began for building rock walls and landscaping. There are many rock walls still standing in Pacific County where he stacked the rocks.

Dad’s father-in-law, Orval Harmer, introduced him to the timber industry by teaching him the basic ropes at the age of 19. This was the beginning of Dad’s career as a timber faller.

Dad had many adventures. He owned a gillnetting boat with Eldon Mittge, and a log truck he named “Little Gypo.” He loved picking ferns, bark peeling, clam digging, and fishing, which he taught to his grandchildren.

In Dad’s early years, he was an avid hunter. As he got older, his love for all animals changed. Every stray animal became his pet. Racoons, cats, geese, deer; they were all welcome at his residence. Dad is most famous for the herd of elk that have moved into his forest (seasonally of course).

Family gatherings were very important to Dad, especially Sunday dinners at the Coty’s with special friend Ann.

Gene is survived by daughters: Sherri (Vyrle), Susie (Larry), Patti (Craig), and Jeannie (Duane); 7 grandchildren: Jamie (Glee), Kelly (John), Chris (Amber), Chad (Shanna), Chris (Tara), Tim (Mara), Mindy, and 11 great-grandchildren: Ryker, Rylee, Georgianna, Gabriella, Brianna, Matthew, Justin, Brooklynn, Tommy, Henley, and Jack.

One of Dad’s favorite lines when politely disagreeing was “Well I don’t know, but I’m just saying.”

Donations may be made in Gene’s name to HAVA, P.O. Box 243, Raymond, WA. We would like to thank Harbor’s Home Health and Hospice, especially Alisha and Tessa, for their care in Dad’s final days.

Dad’s wishes are for a family gathering at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Bayview Mortuary.