August 19, 1932 - July 24, 2019
Gene passed out of this life, at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital on July 24, 2019. He was born on August 19, 1932, in Childress, Texas, U.S.A. His parents moved from the south to a ranch in Northern California in 1934 when he was two years old.
Gene grew up riding and roping, graduated high school in 1951 and married Susan Perry on June 8, 1952.
He had a great work ethic and spent many years as a heavy equipment operator, building freeways then switching back to "cowboy life" whenever possible.
Gene, Susan and their three teenaged sons immigrated to British Columbia in June, 1971. They settled on the Joe Gallon Ranch near Lumby, B.C.
Gene, his three sons and three grandsons operated "Stone's Sand & Gravel," in Lavington, B.C. for thirty years.
Gene and Sue's retirement plans included: going to Seattle for Seahawks football and Las Vegas for the PBR bull riding finals. Through the years Gene was content running the haying equipment and working with the cattle on the ranch.
"Once a cowboy, always a cowboy."
Gene had a life well lived and his family was everything to him. We all have a sadness in our souls. He is survived by Susan, his loving wife of 67 years; sons Gary (Joanne), Steve (Barbara) and Ron (Ines). His grandchildren; Wade (Nancy), Erin (Ben Louis), Clif (Carissa), Connor, Jeremy and Joshua Stone. His great grandchildren; Garrett and Nora Louis, Ian and Sawyer Stone; step granddaughter, Tina (Paul Voracek) and their children Domi, Gabe, Leo and Bella. Two very special cousins Shirley and Barbara, in California, will miss him too.
By Gene's request, no special services will be held. In Gene's honour, please contact the Ty Pozzobon Foundation (info@typozzobon.com), which protects and supports the health and well-being of rodeo competitors inside and outside the arena.