On November 15, 2021, my wonderful husband entered into the light of Christ. He transitioned from the temporal to the eternal, leaving behind a body that was his worst enemy. From age nine to 86 arthritis tried to stop him in his tracks. But he would have none of that.
After being homeschooled for years, he excelled academically at Jefferson High School, where teachers personally encouraged students who showed academic promise. He went on to the University of Rochester on a full academic scholarship, going from class to class on crutches as he obtained his degree in chemistry. Soon he found employment in the Monroe County Crime Lab as a forensic chemist. He usually needed to explain what that title meant, but now CSI says it all. I swear his hobby was jousting with attorneys’ minds when testifying in court. I will brag where he would not. There was not a district attorney or judge in the five county area that did not know and respect him, not to mention attorneys who appreciated (sometimes to their dismay) his unbiased and accurate testimony.
By the time I was in nursing school, the last thing I was looking for was a husband. I planned on joining the Navy (they had the sharpest uniforms and I liked water) and seeing the world. But then, Gene careened into my life in his sporty red Jaguar XKE. And I met a man who was smarter and stronger than I, who had a wickedly funny sense of humor and with whom I felt so at ease, you would think I knew him all my life. I guess in a way I did. I am convinced our marriage was God’s plan. The way we met was one for the books, and I suspect covered with heavenly fingerprints.
While he excelled at public speaking, and teaching it in Greece’s Continuing Education Program, I believe the Rochester Corvette Club is his proudest legacy. Way back in 1959 (when I was twelve, I will have you note) he and another new ‘Vette owner, Al Frederick, met in a local pub. Their friendship resulted in the Rochester Corvette Club, now numbering over 700 members, and growing.
While he enjoyed all things Corvette, he treasured his fellow members, whom I have gotten to know. They are not rich snobs bowing to a motorized idol. They are regular folks, the salt of the earth, who treasure each other as the Lord would want. And they are generous to a fault.
At every Christmas party, members bring gifts for the battered women in the area. For years, Bev and George Mueller loaded up those gifts to personally deliver them on behalf of the club.
Perhaps the greatest recipients are the special charities that the club selects annually, and for which they raise thousands of dollars through various events. So often, when Gene was asked to “say a few words” at the yearly Christmas Party, he would praise them for their kindness and generosity that he said had more value than their cars.
Have a blessed and wonderful Christmas. I know my Gene is going to celebrate one super Christmas, pain-free and with his brilliant mind returned, to praise the King of Kings. That warms my heart. May this Christmas warm yours as well.
oh Sue, I am so sorry for your loss! I fondly remember Gene’s wit and humor, and remember being at your beautiful wedding. What the two of you shared was very special right from the start. Your tribute to him is just beautiful. I recall that over 50 years ago you told us that he was “the strongest man I have ever met”. I am sure that your faith shall sustain you and that your memories will be a blessing. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. xox Lynda
Thank you, Lynda. My memories of those first months after meeting Gene are mixed with memories of you and our St. Joe friends in the dorm as many of us dated our future husbands. They make me smile. So do dear friends like you!
Sue, I will personally never forget the weekend you met Gene! Your Dad was selling the leopard skin he had saved from his military time in India, as I recall. Someone who was answering the ad rang your family’s doorbell, you answered the door and the rest is history! From that time on Gene enlivened your already busy life.
I remember even then you told me how Gene suffered from arthritis pain every day, distinguished by his occasional use of a cane. Pain is definitely not a factor in a picture taken at my own wedding several months after yours! He was the life of the party, dancing joyfully with my flower girl nieces and enjoying life to the max! Only you would know if he paid for that joyousness later on that night.
Even years later when we connected physically at our Rochester class reunion, Gene was smiling hugely while he buzzed around on his scooter at your home, enjoying even the restrained freedom allowed him with his pain.
I guess we can suffice it to state that Gene enjoyed his life enormously, along with you and John, even while plagued with his movement limitations. He has left us with one big lesson: use your strengths well in spite of your weaknesses.
Great memories, Cathy! Yes, Gene was the epitome of making the most out of life despite obstacles.
I am going to miss my buddy Gene so much. I also know that he is in a better place – pain-free, etc. I am so sorry that I couldn’t make it to the funeral. I don’t think I would have done very well knowing how well I knew both you and Gene. He is in God’s hands now. You take care of yourself and know that God is watching over you and so am I. Please take care of yourself and may God Bless you. Love you.
I know Gene was one of your favorite people and that you take comfort in his heavenly joy right now. BTW, I’m glad you are watching over me!
Susan —
I am thankful that you and Gene were such powerful influences on each other. Your gentle spirit has helped me to appreciate the many hours of kindness that go into caregiving. I am enriched knowing you and reading your journeys. Please keep writing and influencing.
I’m glad you had the chance to meet Gene, Jerry. Caregiving, despite its challenges, is an honor to do.
Oh Sue how wonderful!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Gene- he was quite a guy that’s for sure.
Thank you, Carol
So thankful to have known you and Gene for so many, many yrs. And having met in church, no less! Like a cornerstone for relationships. May God bless you and yours, Sue. Love you.
A cornerstone indeed. Theoretically, I am an only child, but I have tons of precious brothers and sisters, like you, at Hope and beyond.
Rest In Peace Gene. You will be greatly missed.
Amen.
I braced myself to read this and as I did the tears fell and the chills surfaced. However, I should have known that you would be thinking ahead and insert those sentences that brought a laugh, a chuckle, a warm memory to lessen the grief! You have a remarkable way with words, Sue. I’d like you to write my obit someday!
Gene always made me feel like a princess when he would come into church! I will always cherish the two frames of glass covered tea tabs with all the special verses and holy sounding tidbits he made for me! Let’s get together soon, Sue. God bless.
I’d do anything for you Joanne but I definitely DOI NOT want to ever write your obit. Live LONG and prosper dear friend.
Thank you for sharing your memories of Gene.