Eugene Naumann

1948 - 2017

September 7, 1948 -
June 28, 2017

It is with profound sadness that our family announces the peaceful passing of a caring husband, loyal father and proud Papa in to his heavenly home.

Among loving family members and friends, Eugene is remembered with incredible fondness, amazing stories and much laughter as Eugene loved life.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 50 years, Annie, his youngest daughter, Mary and her trusty dog Hooch, oldest daughter Lisa and his son-in-law, Howard, his loyal canine companion, Ben and his precious grandchildren, Alexandra and Howie Jr.

He is survived by and genuinely missed by his brother, Dwight and sister-in-law, Kathy, brother, Hans and his wife Joanne, sister, Marianne. His brother-in-law, Chris and his wife Barb, sister-in-law, Gail, his aunt Betty and uncle Frank (and their family). Gene absolutely loved his nieces and nephews, Steven (Christina), Anthony (Lisa), Christa (Scott), Sheila, Carrie (Darren), Bob (Mel), Amanda, Carolyn (Dan), Candace (Dave), John (Olena), Billy (Franca), Stacy (Stephan), Nathan (Pam), Kassandra (Joe) and all of their children who gave Eugene so much joy.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Wilhelmina and Eugene Naumann, his in-laws, Antonio and Iolanda Zappitelli, his brother-in-law, Robert. Eugene is most likely dancing and playing with his grand-daughter, Hope, in the greenest of lawns up in Heaven.

Eugene embraced all that life, in his home town Ignace, had to offer. He enjoyed being part of and made many life-long friends: golfing, poker playing, baseball, hockey/coaching and refereeing, blueberry picking, the Legion, the Moose, the Lions club, as well, he served the community as part of the Liberal Party, he served on town council and the Economic Development Committee. He enjoyed watching his grandson play hockey and his grand-daughter's creativity.

Eugene worked in partnership with his brother and best friend, Dwight, for many years as owners and operators of the Shell station, then later running Vern's Minnows and Angler's Gifts where many friends and customers gathered from near and far to keep the secret fishing holes a secret and to share laughs, fishing tales and life stories. He had many, many friends who loved and respected him.

Diagnosed on April 9, 2017, with Metastatic Pancreatic cancer, Eugene courageously fought the good fight for 80 days. He was particularly pleased for the care he received at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital (Dr. Peeva, Dr. Simpson, Dr. Chan and the nursing staff), the oncology unit at Dryden District Hospital (Dr. Jollymore and staff), Dr. Moe and staff at Northern Dental in Dryden, Dr. Alallam who performed a celiac plexus block, Father Al and life-long friend and Pastor, Jeanie Bryan. Thank you to the staff and pharmacy at The Mary Berglund Clinic, and especially a world of gratitude to the 'Angels that walked with him to the Pearly Gates', Leanne Bratland, Amy Neuman, Jodie Defeo, who personified grace and compassion, serving him and his family with peace and comfort every single day of Gene's journey.

Gene left us with so many happy memories of a friend, partner in crime who thought he was 21, a loyal companion who had the biggest heart and would give anyone the shirt off his back. Eugene leaves behind the legacy of a 'LIFE WELL LIVED, not just for the sake of being alive.'

Eugene's wishes to have donations in lieu of flowers to go to the youth of Ignace by way of the Ignace Public School Loonie Lunch Program. (Cheques can be made to the Ignace School, Box 418, Ignace, Ontario P0T 1T0).

Funeral arrangements taken care of by: Bob Savage of Dryden Community Funeral Home who was also a friend of Eugene.

Family viewing: Friday, June 30, from 5-6 p.m., friends are then welcome for prayers and visitation from 7-9 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Ignace.

Mass Saturday, July 1st, at 10 a.m. and Funeral service 11:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Ignace.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net, subject heading: Naumann or by mail; 249 Grand Trunk Ave., Dryden, ON, P8N 2X3