Born on Dec. 18, 1945 in Great Bend, Kansas to Stanton and Naomi Whitten.

Preceded in death by his father in 1958, his mother in 1986, his stepfather Marcus Garcia in 1992, sister Lynda in 2003, son Eric in 2003 and wife Lani in 2018.

Survived by children Darryl, Dina, Neil, Michelle, Craig and Steven.

Survived by niece Naomi Bisceglia & nephew Stanton Bisceglia

Survived by great friend of the family Laurie Newman (thank you for everything!)

Gene worked for two Arco stations in his youth and for CDF (CalFire) from 1964 to 2000. He served as Battalion Chief at his CDF posts in both Alderpoint and Fortuna.

He was a resident of Humboldt County since he moved with his family to Alderpoint in 1978 and then later to Hydesville, where he lived for the rest of his days.

He was a member of the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing team and worked for several years to help establish a countywide fire radio net. He also was intensely interested in seeing the development of better county-wide maps for the emergency services in rural areas, which he felt was still not a reality to this day.

Graduate of Fort Bragg High School : 1964

Attended Santa Rosa JC and graduated Humboldt State University with a degree in Business Administration in 1970.

Gene enjoyed life and took great pleasure interacting with his vast network of family, friends and acquaintances. He loved games and puzzles and was a master card player in his time. He was a member of and supported many groups; including Toastmasters, AA, Relay for Life and various grief groups. Gene would always take the time to listen to people’s stories and was well known for helping people he felt needed or deserved it. Most of all, he loved to laugh and tell jokes and stories to make those around him laugh. He had so many stories and we ran out of time before we could hear them all. He believed that HOPE was the greatest gift you can give or receive.

Instead of flower arrangements, Gene would’ve preferred that everyone make a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Food for People organization.

Two roads diverged in the woods
And though they appeared to be the same
I took the one less traveled
And that has made all the difference

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