We Remember
LAKING, Eugene (Gene) Harvey
February 3, 1937 — March 18, 2014
Eugene (Gene) Harvey Laking entered into eternal peace on March 18, 2014 at Kelowna General Hospital.
Gene is survived by his loving wife Lillian, his son Bob Laking (Cheryl) of Brantford, ON, daughter Robin Hoffman (Marty) of Kelowna, BC and grandchildren, Jodi (Don) and Kyle (Dawn) in Brantford and Andrew and Daniel in Kelowna.
Gene was born February 3, 1937 in McAdam, NB a son of the late Clair and Bessie Laking. He was the youngest of eight children and was predeceased by Ella (Bunny) Burrell, Ron (Colleen) Laking, Hazel (Frank) McNally, Lois (Bernell) Tracy, and is survived by his sister Jackie (Nert) Lord, Paul (Doris) Laking all of New Brunswick. Sadly, brother Clair passed away several hours later in New Brunswick.
Gene grew up in McAdam, NB and Thunder Bay, ON. It wasn’t in his nature to follow the rest of his family into a career with the railroad. After 6 weeks of working on the extra gang in Hinton, AB to appease his father, he decided to go back to school attending Lakehead Business College and receiving his Accounting Diploma. While in Northwestern Ontario, Gene met the love of his life Lillian Lyle of Dryden, ON. They married on December 22, 1955 and spent the next 58 years together.
Gene worked for St. Regis Paper Company (Twinpak) in Dryden and moved regularly with each promotion. The family moved to Montreal in 1970 followed by Brantford, ON in 1973. Here he put down some of the deepest roots and developed friendships that would last a lifetime. In 1977 he was offered a promotion requiring a move to Calgary.
In Calgary Gene became involved with The Royal Canadian Legion, serving as the Forest Lawn Branch #275’s President for a number of years. More deep friendships were formed with the camping crew at McClain Creek and the Ogden Curling Club.
After retiring in 1994, Gene and Lil returned to their much beloved Dryden. Gene was later diagnosed with renal failure but, amazingly, Lillian was a genetic match. In 1998 Gene received the greatest gift from his wife, a new kidney and a new lease on life.
Gene’s health started to decline in 2008 prompting a move to Kelowna to be closer to family and medical facilities.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 24, 2014 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm with a funeral service at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC with Pastor Don Wilson as celebrant. Donations to the Kidney Foundation of Canada – BC Branch, 200 – 4940 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4K6 or Kelowna General Hospital Foundation – Renal Unit, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1T2 in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.
For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Visitation
Monday, March 24, 2014 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Springfield Funeral Home
(2020 Springfield Road , Kelowna, BC)
Service
Monday, March 24, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
Kidney Foundation of Canada - BC Branch, 200 – 4940 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4K6 or Kelowna General Hospital Foundation – Renal Unit, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1T2
Service Information
Service Details
The service for LAKING, Eugene (Gene) Harvey is scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2014 at 1:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Aunt Lil, Bobby & Family, and Robin & Family: Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Sincerest condolences to everyone.
It is with so much sadness that David and I pass on our condolences and love to Aunt Lil, Robin and Bob. Uncle Gene was always so kind and open to our family, and welcomed us with open arms. We shall remember his last visit to Fredericton spending time with us fondly and with smiles. I am sure he is teasing someone in heaven right now.
Aunt Lil, Bobby and Robin: So sorry to hear about Uncle Gene, I have fond memories of Uncle Gene in his younger years when he would stay with us in Jackman and of course all the stories Dad (Ron) would tell us. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate his life. May all the wonderful memories you have sustain you through this difficult time.
Love, Donna
It was with deep sadness that we heard of Uncle Gene passing. May it help in some small way to know that others share your sorrow.
Lil and Family
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time I will always remember
the great times we shared to-gether.Lil
you and Gene where the best neigbours any one could wish for .I wish I could be there for you .
Love you all Elsie
Aunt Lil, Bobby, Robin and families, you are in my thoughts at this time. I have wonderful memories of all the fun times we had at “the camp”. Your visits were the highlight of the summer. I wish I could be with you. My sincerest sympathy to you all. Much love, Linda
I’m so sorry for your loss! Sending lots of love your way from NB. May Great Uncle Gene rest in peace!
Aunt Lil, Bobby,Robin & family..we are all so sorry for your loss. Uncle Gene always gave the biggest hugs and was always smiling. Hold on to the great memories. Love you all, Jackie Peter, Kelsey & Kyle
We send our deepest sympathies to you aunt Lillian , cousins Bobby and Robin and your families . We are separated by thousands of miles , but our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Lillian Laking and Family
I wish to express my sincerest sympathy in your great loss. I was one of the first people Gene hired at Consolidated-Bathurst when C-B first moved to Brantford. He was a good man and his friendly manner to all was appreciated.
To Bob, Cheryl and Jodi – sending my thoughts and prayers to you all, in the loss of your Dad Gene, Bob, your Father-in-law, Cheryl and to your Grandfather Jodi. Just know he is flying with the Angels now and watching over you all.
Aunt Lil, Bob and Robin,
My deapest sympathies go out to you all. Uncle Gene was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed by all who loved him. My prayers go out to you all. Love Penny, George, Paul, Andrew & Nicole
Lil, Bob and Robin,
My sincere sympathies to you and your families, I remember some great BBQs with your family at Paul and Doris’ in LaSalle when I would visit from McAdam. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Bob, Cheryl and Jodi,
We are keeping you in our prayers and sending all our love your way in this difficult time.
Lil, Robin, Bob and Families,
I am sadden to hear of Gene’s passing. I will always remember his laugh and hold dear the memories of Seventh Ave. Heartfelt condolences and hugs to you all.
Liz
Dear Bob, Cheryl, Jodi, and Kyle
We all send our sincerest condolences Bob to you and your sister, on the loss of your father and to your Mom, her best friend for 58 years. Our love and thoughts are with you in Kelowna.
Love Rob, Judy, Angela, Tanya, Robert, Jayden, Reiley and Kennady.
Aunt Lil, Bob, Robin, and families. Uncle Gene was a great man, He could tell stories, he could tell jokes, and he could impart wisdom. I learned a lot from him. I appreciate that he got me a job and that you all accepted me into your home to stay with you for 6 months back in 1974. It is an honour and a pleasure that mother and father named my middle name Engene after Uncle Gene. Sincere condolences. Love and hugs. Randy
Aunt Lil, Bobby, and Robin – I was so very sorry and saddened when I heard of Uncle Gene’s passing. I will never forget his ear-to-ear radiant smile. My heart goes out to you all during this most difficult time. Love and prayers – Darlene
Aunt lil,Bob,Robin
Thinking of all you guys tomorrow.We wish we could be there for the family .Uncle Gene was a great man many of memories .
Love Gary&Elaine Tracy &Family
Dear Aunt Lil, Bobby, Robin & families, just want to let you know that Uncle Gene was very warm & welcoming to me when I visited you guys in Dryden, the opportunity for which I am truly greatful, he was a wonderful person. I’m sure my dad & he are together once again, noting that the universe really does work in mysterious ways, they both came into this world around the same time, and transitioned together. “To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.” May all of your precious memories comfort you at this sad time in your lives.
Aunt Lil, Bobby, Robin and families.
so sorry to hear about Uncle Gene. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Marilyn, Bob & Family
A Lil, Bob, Robin & Family – I know today is a very difficult day for you all. Please know our thoughts & prayers are with you. He was a very loving uncle and we all have so many good memories of him as well as good memories of times shared with your family. Please feel our hugs as if we were there.
Aunt Lil, Bob, Robin and families. We are sorry to hear of Uncle Gene’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time.
Lillian,
Sorry to hear of your loss, I fondly remember Gene one who enjoyed life and reminded me never take a day for granted live each day and Lillian Gene was so grateful and I remember watching the love he had for you , will miss his laugh and I miss your Infectious smile take care! Roni
Sending our condolences to the family.
So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. Our sympathy to you and your family Lil.
Our condolences to you Lil, Bobby and Robin. Have many fond memories playing cards with uncle Gene in Montreal. Wishing you all the best.
Dave Diane and Family.
We are very sorry to hear of Gene’s passing . Our sympathy to you and your family Lil