Gene was born in Monticello, Wisconsin, October 27, 1931.

He studied engineering and law at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and after graduating joined the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant, where he was stationed in the Pacific Northwest. His first assignment was in Alaska overseeing the construction of the Defense Early Warning line (DEW Line). It was while there he developed an appreciation of the beauty of the state, and his passion for salmon fishing in the pristine rivers of Alaska.

Upon leaving the Army, Gene worked in real estate development, and developed Somerset in Bellevue, WA. In 1962 he became interested in senior housing, and started Careage, a real estate development, construction, leasing and operations company, which specialized in care for the aged. He built over 400 nursing homes and assisted living facilities as well as hospitals and medical office buildings in 26 states. He continued to work in his company until six months before his death.

Gene served on many Boards, and served as a Regent and Trustee for Seattle University for twenty-four years, being the recipient of Seattle U. Alumni Assoc. Distinguished Service Award. He was a former Board Member of Seattle Prep and Forest Ridge Academy. He is the last surviving founding member of Sahalee Golf Course in Sammamish, WA, and assisted in supporting the development of American Lakes Veterans Course designed by Jack Nicholas. He also developed Rock Creek Golf Course in Portland, OR.

He was a philanthropist and established the Monticello Public Library in his hometown, supported the establishment of Seattle University School of Nursing, and is a contributor to many local charities and hospitals. He was an avid collector of Western Art.

He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn (Evie); three children, Jeff Lynn (Lisa), Traci Kennedy (Bill) and Jody Moss; two step-children, John Hogan (Christina) and Heidi Hogan (Brian Clapton); thirteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

His burial will be a private family ceremony, with a celebration of his life on September 16, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., at Tacoma Golf and Country Club, Lakewood, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Lake Veterans Golf Course, 9600 Veterans Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98493.