Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Eugene L Wilson Memorial
Eugene L Wilson Memorial

Eugene L Wilson

Eugene L Wilson

Thursday, December 31st, 2020

Eugene (Gene) Leroy Wilson, 89, of Burlington, Washington, passed away at 10:50 PM December 31, 2020 from a lingering painful neurological condition.  He was at home, surrounded by family.  Gene was born on March 5, 1931 to Theodore “Ted” and Ruth (Larson) Wilson in Martinez, California.  He was married to Margaret “Marge” Wilson née Washburn on October 18, 1968 in Vancouver, Washington.  Among his last words was the response “beautiful thought” to hearing 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 read.

During the Korean war, Gene served four years in the Navy as a frogman in an underwater demolition unit (a precursor to the Navy Seals).  After living in the Skagit Valley since 1971, Gene and Marge sold the farm on District Line Road in 1989 and moved to India where they served eight years as volunteer missionaries at the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore.  This was followed by nearly two years of mission service at Penang Adventist Hospital where Marge served as a Radiologist.  In 1998, they moved back to Burlington.  Gene was an active member of the North-Cascade Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Gene is survived by his wife, Margaret “Marge” Wilson neé Washburn of Burlington; son, Brian Wilson and daughter-in-law, Duang Wilson of Burlington; grandchildren, Benya Wilson and Eliyah Wilson of Burlington; sister-in-law, Virginia Wilson of Vancouver, Washington; nephew, Michael Wilson of Ridgefield, Washington; numerous friends and many “family” from CMC Vellore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Ruth Wilson; infant daughter, Sherry Lynn Wilson; brother, Charles “Chuck” Wilson; niece, Becky Tomlinson.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting for memorials to be made to Adventist Frontier Missions.  Checks can be made to “AFM”, with “Gene Wilson Memorial” written on the memo line.  These funds will be used for the Buddhists of Southern Thailand Project. (Adventist Frontier Missions, PO Box 286, Berrien Springs, MI 49103 or 1-800-937-4236.)

Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.  A Graveside Service will be held at Union Cemetery in Sedro-Woolley at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 15, 2021.  Please share your memories of Gene and sign the online guest register.

Guestbook

  • Att Munin Tjiandiawan

    My memory of Grandpa was his warm bear hugs where he would lift me off the ground and twirl. In 2009 when they were leaving Thailand, he said, “Come and visit us in America.” Regretfully, I never had the opportunity. Even though I won’t be able to see him in this world, I am confident of seeing Grandpa in heaven. With love, respect, and fond memories—Att.

  • Dicky

    As one from CMC, impacted by Uncle Gene’s fun and cheerfulness, I certainly have great memories of our Saturday evening playing games and laughing together. Looking forward to the day when the Great Reunion shall take place. Even so, come Lord Jesus (Revelations 22:20.

  • Connie Carman

    Many good memories of times with Marge and Gene. When they were in India, and came home on vacation, they sometimes stayed in our guestroom. Loved the stories, and my husband got a big kick out of Gene’s golf stories-monkeys steeling his golf balls. Dennis loved to find trick golf balls, so he could get a reaction from Gene!
    They were very good to me, once I was alone. Going to first Church service and heading to the lake after Sabbath School. Taking our lunch and spending the afternoon. Sometimes others joined us, Gene always looked forward to eating! Especially chocolate! He will be missed!

  • Alice Thomas Joseph

    ‘Dad’ was one of the most caring, jovial and generous person we had at Cmc,Vellore. He was Dad to all of us Medical and post graduate students. The home of Mr and Mrs(Dr) Wilson was open to all of us always. We look forward to Sabbaths because we could spend the whole day with them and all the other students. Dad’s special contribution to the Sabbath potluck was the lovely carrot, pineapple and raison salad he made. It was our favorite. After lunch was singing band where we would go to the hospital and sing for patients then come back ‘home’ for sundown worship and after that it was fun time with games. Dad always won scrabble and Uno. Those were such fun days.

  • Gracy Sunny Kindo

    Dad Wilson was a fun loving, down to earth and a loving person. He along with Mom Wilson gave all of us students at Vellore a home away from home. Their home and hearts were open to us. Thank you very much for all that you did for us. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Mom as you go through this time of grief. May God bless you and family and give you the strength and comfort that you need during this time
    Lots of love

  • Ruth Dorsey

    Fond remembering of this wonderful man whose smile I cannot forget. In the past I shared moments at their home, once enjoyed a few cold days in Whistler with the family, and have always appreciated their love for humanity. Thoughts and hugs to the family.

  • M. JoAnn Washburn

    M. JoAnn Washburn
    As Gene’s sister-in-law, I can attest that our family has often been the recipient of his good-natured humor. He also lived the way he died, with strength and courage. We will miss him. We always referred to them as “Marge AND Gene”, rarely one without the other. In reflection, that won’t change much for us. I am told he died thinking of the Second Coming of Jesus. What a wonderful time that will be when God puts the AND back in “Marge AND Gene.”

  • Darla Grable

    Uncle Gene was always so strong and active! I appreciate SO MUCH all the times growing up when he and Aunt Marge included us in their outings- a backpack trip, ferry rides, boat camping, drives and hikes… Gene was always promising “Only a quarter mile more!” It meant a lot also having them come across country for all my major events – graduations, wedding, house building etc. I will always treasure my memories of Uncle Gene!

  • Heather Richards

    Gene was such a positive figure in my life from a very young age. Early memories of fun times at Marge and Gene’s home: Sabbath meals, swimming parties, playing with cats, and much more. And them hosting me in India was a very special treat. I loved getting to know Gene as I grew into an adult. His wry sense of humor and generous spirit are some of the things I loved about him. The Wilson family has been near and dear to the Tooley family for many years and for that I am ever grateful.

  • Jane Ronca-Washburn

    Gene’s ever-present twinkle in his eye, his good humor and his generosity are what I will remember.
    I pray for his soul and his family.

  • Mary Harner Mueller

    Aunt Margaret, Brian, and family my prayers and thoughts are with you all. I can never repay for everything Uncle Gene did for me!

  • Reena Prasad

    Mr. Wilson waiting for the great day of resurrection to see you again. Praying for Mrs Wilson and family I love you🙏🏻❤️🌹

  • S. Thomas Gregory

    Uncle Eugene had a great sense of humour… I look forward to meeting him again, crack some jokes when we all get to heaven.

  • Abe & Roopa Ninan

    You will be always cherished in our hearts forever, especially in mine. The smiles, laughs, and hugs will never be forgotten. We love you and can’t wait to see you again on that resurrection morning!!

  • Sundeep and Lillian Kisku

    We miss you Uncle Wilson. We admire your missionary zeal and are inspired by your legacy. We wait to meet you across the other shore on the resurrection morning.

  • Janet E Tooley

    Gene and Marge have been dear, dear friends since 1978 when we moved to Burlington. Gene “rescued” us many times when our cars broke down for one reason or another. We spent hours at “Sabbath Sing” at their place, and then pool/game times. They took us with them on vacation to Vancouver Island, out on their boat, and many more fun times. Thanksgivings were very often spent with Wilsons, even after we moved away in 1984. In fact, we spent Thanksgiving 2019 with them. When Sam was ill with his cancer in 2010, Marge and Gene came every week to support us. Gene mowed the lawn many times, as well as other needed tasks. He had a great sense of humor and infectious laugh. I am so sorry to lose such a special friend and look forward to the day when he, Sam, Marge and I can once again laugh and talk together as we did so many times. Love to Marge, Brian and family.

  • Tami Weissberg

    You sound like a very wonderful Christian witness. I pray your legacy lives on in your children and friends and that you will be at peace now until the Lord brings you home and you can be with all those you love. God Bless and keep you.

  • Pearl

    I will always remember the spark in Uncle Gene’s eye and his wry smile. He had determination as well as a sense of adventure. His was a life well lived.

  • Terri Saelee

    Dad Wilson (together with Mom Wilson) have had a tremendous impact on my life and ministry in multiple ways – first through their son, Brian, when we worked together serving refugees. But that was only the beginning. It was through this family that I met my husband. Without the Wilson family, we likely would never have met, and had the joy of serving God together. But there is so much more! They empowered us in ministry in so many ways! One way in which I aspire to be like Dad Wilson is that he was ALWAYS early! Mom and Dad Wilson arrived a full day early for Ko’s graduation, and even influenced us to move our wedding up a week! There is so much more to share. We are grateful and deeply indebted. I pray we can do something to pay our debt of gratitude on the other side.

  • Jonathan Fish

    Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints, Psalms 116:15