Eugene "Gene" William Ives, age 82, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in Seattle as a result of complications from heart surgery. Born January 1, 1927 in Tukwila, Washington, Gene was the first baby born in King County in 1927. He enjoyed an adventuresome childhood, roaming the Tukwila hills and swimming in the Duwamish River. He worked at Foster Golf Links while attending Foster High school, graduating in 1945. Gene excelled at golf and football. He left school his senior year to serve in the Merchant Marines during WWII. After the war, he returned to Tukwila and in 1948 married his high school sweetheart, Helen Kassner. Gene and Helen made their home in Tukwila on property that had been a chicken farm. They had an orchard and raised sheep and, for a time, bees. It was a wonderful place to grow up for Gene and Helen's three children. Gene served as a Tukwila volunteer fire fighter, president of the Foster Golf Links Men's Club in 1954 – 1955, and Tukwila City Councilman from 1960 – 1967. For 60 years, Gene worked as warehouse manager and in other capacities for Industrial Warehouse and Industrial Transfer & Storage, the family companies. He loved his job. Gene liked physical work and was always up for a project, especially if it meant using his bulldozer, backhoe or other big equipment. Gene liked music and was a good dancer. He enjoyed camping and hunting and more recently, logging and cutting wood. Most of all, Gene liked visiting with people. He had many friends, life-long and otherwise; he loved telling stories and just shooting the breeze. Gene was a good man. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and fun, his generosity, and his love of family and friends. He will be deeply missed Gene is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen; son, Ben (Patsy Stensaker) Ives; daughters, Patricia (David) Larson and Peggy (John) McCarthy; six grandchildren, Jessi Richardson, Trevor (Jennifer) Larson, Michael McCarthy, Erin McCarthy, Kerry McCarthy and Riley McCarthy; two great-grandchildren, Maquel Larson and Kaleb Larson. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, 04/28 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday at 12:30 pm at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA (206) 242-1787. Committal at Riverton Crest Cemetery. Donations may be made to the charity of choice or the Tukwila Pantry, 3118 S. 140th Street, Tukwila WA 98168.

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