Ray Gene Piland

1941 - 2016

Ray Gene Piland, 74, our best friend and a husband of 52 years, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016, in Park City, Utah. Memorial service: 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 20, in Greenwood Chapel. Interment: Greenwood Memorial Park. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please consider The Utah State Chapter of P.E.O. International. This organization provides educational opportunities for women. Please contact Patti Sanborn at 3084 American Saddler Drive, Park City, Utah 84060 or phone 435-655-0760. Gene Piland was born in Dallas to William L. "Dick" and Mary Followell Piland. He graduated from Texas Christian University in May 1964. While at TCU he met the love of his life, Jacquelyn Gregory, and they married in August 1963. Their Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers continue to be best friends and meet on a regular basis. After college, Gene attended Air Force pilot training at Big Spring. Upon graduation, he became an instructor pilot and continued to train pilots on the T-38 aircraft for the duration of his time in the service. His pilot training class is still close and meets regularly. Gene achieved the rank of captain in the Air Force. After joining Western Airlines, it would be a while before anyone called him "Captain" again. Gene was the consummate gentleman. He was funny and sincere and always seemed to know just what to say to make everyone laugh and relax. When he was not at work flying for Western or Delta, Gene and Jackie spent most of the last 30 years in Park City where they always seemed to have a beautiful house filled with happy, well-fed people. Friends who played bridge with him wondered how he managed to win so often. Gene played bridge by rules known only to him. He was just one of those resilient guys who seemed to know how to push past whatever life threw at him, without ever taking himself too seriously. He loved to fly fish, play bridge, travel and host the neighborhood 4th of July party. In 2002, he served as an Olympic host. After he retired from Delta Airlines, Gene was a member of Kiwanis Club, serving as Park City Kiwanis president, 2003-2004 and lieutenant governor 2006-2008. He worked to establish a high school Key Club and participated in many other community endeavors. Survivors: Wife, Jackie of Park City; brother, Don Piland and sister-in-law, Susan Piland; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.