Awok Eugene “Gene” Glenn Brundin, the only child of Peter Otto Brundin and Ruth Pearl (Wheelis) Brundin, was born on October 7, 1944 in Humboldt. As a youth, Gene enjoyed spending time with his father, hunting wild game and fishing. Mr. Brundin attended Arcata High School and Humboldt State University, then moved to Santa Barbara where he lived until he retired early to return home to care for his mother. Gene remained in the family home where he was born and where he died of natural causes in December 2020.

He was predeceased by his parents, several aunts and uncles, and cousins Peter (JoAnne) Comstock of San Diego as well as Ruth Luhtala, Lucille Luhtala, John Luhtala, and Shirley Luhtala Jones of Washington State.

Gene is survived by cousins Nancy Brunson and Jeannie (Wes) Martin of California, as well as Charles Comstock and Sharon (Clyde) West.

Gene had a keen mind and a special interest in his father’s Native ancestry. He became very familiar with the tribal customs of both the Yurok and Tolowa Tribes and over the years made friends with many extended family members from both Tribes. He was a registered member of the Yurok Tribe and participated in annual celebrations and rites and was supportive of efforts to maintain Yurok culture and language. You could often see Gene and Joe Giovanetti dancing together.

Gene was also an avid supporter of the non-profit Dell’Arte International in Blue Lake, a performance arts theatre, where he assumed the responsibility of filming performances. Unfortunately, the theatre was closed as a result of the pandemic in 2020 and Gene sorely missed his interaction with students and staff. Gene was an artist in his own right, known for his lovely pottery, which he generously shared with family and friends. I want to thank all the group that helped me that day.

Being an only child, family was very important to Gene, and he was in frequent touch with his cousins, the Brunson’s of Blue Lake and Lois Crawford. He also kept in regular contact with cousins from his Uncle, Harold Brundin, in Washinton State. Harold and his father were very close and enjoyed each other’s company many years until separated by death. Gene will be missed by many whose lives he touched, both inside and outside the family. Gene loved getting mail from Stacey and family, especially the socks.

Gene really enjoyed working at the Blue Lake Grange Breakfast (frying eggs was his job) and going to the Blue Lake Rancheria for the lunch that was served.

I want to send a special thank you to Annette and Tim Nickols for watching out for Gene and his home and all the support they gave during this sad occasion.

Due to COVID-19 there will not be a service now, but we plan on having a celebration of life later.