Gene Hartman, age 80, a 27-year resident of Sedro Woolley, Washington, lost his valiant 4-year battle with cancer on January 8, 2022.  He died peacefully in the early morning, at rest in the familiar comfort of his home, in the arms of his daughter and surrounded by his family’s heartfelt love and admiration.

Gene was born in Cedar City, Utah on August 7, 1941 to Arvil Marion and Nellie (Hills) Hartman.  His father was a miner in Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and California which resulted in Gene attending many schools in various states; thus, he learned to adapt early in life.  Those were lean years, needing to be supplemented by hunting, fishing, and preserving food, all of which Gene learned to do as a youngster.  Eventually, he began working limited hours in the mines alongside his father.  That strong work ethic remained with him throughout his lifetime.

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1959, where he excelled as a Radioman, communicating by Teletype and Morse Code.  He served in Argentia, Newfoundland for 1 1/2 years and then was stationed for another 1 1/2 years aboard the USS Warrington where he participated in the Cuban Blockade of 1962.  His 4-year active duty ended in 1963.

In 1965, Gene married Paulette Bemboom in Chino, CA.  They had been long-distance friends since meeting in 1957 when Gene attended one year of high school in California.  Six years into their marriage, daughter Lisa Michelle was born which perfectly completed their little family.

Gene attended Citrus College, and the University of San Francisco.  Most of his career involved employment at the Claremont Colleges in California, including several years as the Curator for the Pomona College Geology Department, and many more years as a Foreman in the Satellite Maintenance Department.  He retired at a young age and moved from Claremont, CA, to Sedro-Woolley to fulfill his decades-long dream of building a log home in the countryside where he and Paulette could spend their retirement years together.  The move to Washington also allowed them to be near their daughter and her growing family.

Gene was very proud of the home he had designed and created, his military service, his Native American (Paiute) Heritage, and his love for our Country.  But he was most proud of his family, and he cherished his role as husband, father, and grandfather.  Becoming a father and grandfather (“Pops”) was absolutely his greatest joy!

He is survived by Paulette, his loving wife of 56 years; his devoted daughter, Lisa and her husband, Lance Ford; his amazing grandchildren, Holden Eugene and Dakota Grace Ford, all of Sedro Woolley; sister, Christine White and brother, Jerald Hartman, both of California, as well as numerous extended family members and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Arvid Nielson, Jr. of Utah; infant grandson, Indiana George Ford of Sedro-Woolley.

Gene greatly appreciated the loving care he received at the Cancer Care Center of United Peacehealth in Sedro-Woolley.  Every member of the staff was extremely attentive and kind to him; his family will be eternally grateful for their love and compassion; we thank them with all our hearts.

Gene’s family will hold a private gathering later in the year to celebrate his life.

You can rest now Sweet Gene; we will miss you and think of you each and every day.

Share your memories of Gene and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.