Eugene Richard “Gene” Tabor, 69, a resident of Mount Vernon, passed away on Tuesday, July12, 2011 at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley.
Gene was born on August 10, 1941 in Austin, Minnesota, one of fifteen children of Wayne & Viola (Jannings) Tabor. He was raised and attended school in Austin.
In 1959 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served his country in several ports, including a tour to Vietnam until his discharge in 1969. While Gene was stationed in Seattle he met Marie Vandenhoven and they were married in Vancouver, BC in 1963. After his discharge in 1969 they made their home briefly in Austin, MN, later moving to Vancouver, BC until 1975, returning to Austin where they owned and operated the Main Street Cafe until 1979 when they moved to Sedro-Woolley.
Gene worked at the Boyd/Sedro-Woolley Lumber Mill for many years until going to work as a supervisor at Skagit River Steel & Recycling. He retired in 2005.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Boulet Council # 2126.
He enjoyed fishing, golfing, walking and camping, but his family, especially his grandchildren, were the important things in his life.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marie. His daughters and their spouses, Debbie & Randy Hagen of Aldergrove, BC, Denyse Green of Sedro-Woolley, Corinne & David Cartwright of Sedro-Woolley and Jeanne &Tad Shearer of Mount Vernon. Also six brothers, seven sisters, eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Dolores Wytaske.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the Immaculate Conception Church Building fund or the American Cancer Society.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 12:15 PM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mount Vernon with Father Martin Bourke, Celebrant. Interment will follow at the Mount Vernon Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
To my big brother, who was there when I needed him. When I was cold, you gave me a place to be warm. When I was hungry, you fed me. When I needed to talk, you listened. There is a hole in my heart that won’t be filled until I see you again in heaven. Marie, our prayers are with you and the girls.
Rest in heaven with God and the angels Gene. I will not say goodby but will say see you latter when we meet again in heaven. Thanks for the visit last nite. Angel Hugs…
Marie, I just saw Gene’s obituary today. I am truly sorry and am stunned. I just saw the two
of you not long ago and though he was nebulous about how he was feeling he said he was ok. I
have fond memories of the two of you and how you came into my office so many years ago for
assistance and our friendship began. I am holding you and your family close in thought and prayer.
May Gene rest gently now in the loving arms of God. With love, Rosie and Ron Allen
Big brother I will always love you, and Ill say hey to you every day.. Gene I know you will never be far away from your family… Love you Big Brother. Lil Sis
Gene was a brother, friend, husband and father, and good at all of them, witch makes him a great man…he is loved and will be missed but never forgotten…..
My brother Eugene is the reason I’m still proud to walk around and call myself a Tabor. I will love and miss him always.
Craig Tabor
Our deepest sympathy for you in your time of loss. I have many fond memories of Gene both in Vancouver and Sedro.
Marie, Debbie, Denyse, Corrine and Jeanne – my thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. I will always remember Uncle Eugene as one of my favorite people, he was a kind hearted and generous man. Mom (Donna) wants me to send her deepest sympathies to you, she does not have a computer but wants to be sure you know you are in her prayers. Keep strong in your faith and it will help you through this difficult time.
I’ll never forget all the childhood memories of the fun times and holidays our families spent together in Austin. When I think of uncle Gene, I think of his smile….My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Uncle Gene, give grandma and grampa Tabor a hug from us!
48 years ago you came into my life and became my dad and tomorrow i will be there to lay you to rest knowing that you will always be watching over all of us. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do was to say goodbye and let go of your hand…I will love you and keep you in my heart forever Dad….
My sympathy goes out to Marie and all the girls. I have many fond memories off Uncle Eugene and the family while you lived in Austin. It is so sad and unfortunate that we as family have to grown and move on with our lives and never keep in touch. Our daily lives are so changed when we have our own families and neglect the families we grew up with. I want you all to know I think of all you and have many many wonderful childhood memories off our families being together . That is one thing nobody can take away from us, our memories . Uncle Eugene was such a kind hearted person and so much fun to be around . The good lord now embraces him with love, peacefulness and guidance. As he does for all off your family. My prayers are with you and wish you strenght through this trying time . I know losing a parent is a difficult time. Love to all, Roxanne Grage Roche Austin MN
Gene,
You will be missed dearly by many. May you rest comfortably now, free of illness and pain.
Jeanne, Marie, Debbie, Denyse, Corinne, and the rest of the family~
I am sorry for your loss, but hope knowing he is so much more comfortable and happy now somehow softens your grief a bit. Also, hold tight to the good memories to help get you through the especially tough times.
Gene, A little peice of me is missing. Save a place for me Ilove you
We will miss you Gene. but you will always be in our hearts ….Love ya
Will miss you Gene, but i know you will be watching over us. and you will be in our hearts…….love you
We’ll miss you Uncle Gene, be at peace and rest with the angels.
Corinne and Family
I am sorry for your loss. I only know Corinne through my sister Jaretta. It is never easy to lose a loved one. Your Dad is now at peace and free from pain. You have a life time of memories to remember him buy.
You are in my thoughts and prayers
Joy Eberly
Mrs. Tabor, Debbie, Denyse, Corinne and Jeanne
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Tabors passing. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Osborne Family
Love you, miss you, I am proud to have been your daughter. Love you dad
i’ll miss you very much i wiill remember to do those little extra things for the boys and give them some slack