Clifford Eugene Wallace, known to most as “Gene” passed away in his home in Aberdeen, Washington surrounded by loved ones on March 11, 2022, at the age of 91. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years never diminished his courage and perseverance in the face of life’s continuous challenges and demonstrated the strength he was known for all the way to the end.

Gene was born at home on Jan. 18, 1931, in Toledo, Oregon. As the second child of six, he started working to support his single mother and siblings at the age of 14. He was a jack of all trades, but most of his life was spent in the timber industry, from green chain, to planer chain, truck driver and shingle sawyer. He also ran his own shoe repair business and sold real estate.

Of his many life accomplishments, he was offered a full-ride scholarship to play football for Montana State, was a talented wood carver, league bowler, and pool player, winning many tournaments. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt, fish, clam dig and camp until his body didn’t allow him to anymore.

He is best known for his kind, warm heart, his calm presence and his fantastic sense of humor. Anyone who met him became a friend, and he made all feel welcome. He loved his family deeply and he was an amazing storyteller with a great memory.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Deetie. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary last October. He is also survived by his children: Mike Wallace (Brownsville, Oregon), Debbie Bennett (Aberdeen, Washington), and Deena Otterstetter, and Heidi Armenta (both of Cosmopolis, Washington), as well as his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His ashes will be interred at a later date at Eureka Cemetery in Newport, Oregon.