B. Eugene Omey, 89, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, in Bellingham, Washington. Born on April 26, 1936, in Orchard, Nebraska, Gene's life was marked by dedication to education, music, and family.
Gene moved from Nebraska to the Pacific Northwest during his youth and graduated from Kent-Meridian High School. He continued his education at Washington State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree with distinction as a Phi Beta Kappa graduate. He completed his master's degree at WWU.
His professional career was rooted in higher education. Gene retired from Western Washington University after a distinguished tenure as Registrar and Director of Admissions. He also contributed significantly to the Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (PACCRAO), serving in several leadership roles including the presidency.
Beyond his career, Gene had a deep love for music and sports. He was a longtime member and multiple-term president of the Mt. Baker Toppers Barbershop Chorus. He especially enjoyed international trips with the chorus to Finland and New Zealand and spent many summers at the Lynden Fair serving curly fries as part of a beloved fundraiser.
An avid athlete throughout his life, Gene played city league basketball and baseball with several teams, most notably Jimbo's. His passion for sports continued as he faithfully attended the athletic events of his children and grandchildren.
Gene is lovingly remembered by his wife Jan and family Curt and Dawn Omey, Keith and Helisa Omey and Kelly and Darren Williams. He leaves his grandchildren Parker Omey, John Westover, Jeffrey Westover and Michael Westover as well as Garrett and Connor Williams and Granddaughter, Kayla Jacoby. Gene took great joy in his eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Janine Rae Westover, stepsons Robert E. O'Dell and Scott L. O'Dell; sister Marilyn Omey; brother Ronald D. Omey; and parents Horace and Marjorie Omey.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers who so lovingly cared for him as well as his many friends who regularly visited him and brought him wonderful treats and grand stories to share as well as pictures of past adventures.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this spring.
Gene moved from Nebraska to the Pacific Northwest during his youth and graduated from Kent-Meridian High School. He continued his education at Washington State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree with distinction as a Phi Beta Kappa graduate. He completed his master's degree at WWU.
His professional career was rooted in higher education. Gene retired from Western Washington University after a distinguished tenure as Registrar and Director of Admissions. He also contributed significantly to the Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (PACCRAO), serving in several leadership roles including the presidency.
Beyond his career, Gene had a deep love for music and sports. He was a longtime member and multiple-term president of the Mt. Baker Toppers Barbershop Chorus. He especially enjoyed international trips with the chorus to Finland and New Zealand and spent many summers at the Lynden Fair serving curly fries as part of a beloved fundraiser.
An avid athlete throughout his life, Gene played city league basketball and baseball with several teams, most notably Jimbo's. His passion for sports continued as he faithfully attended the athletic events of his children and grandchildren.
Gene is lovingly remembered by his wife Jan and family Curt and Dawn Omey, Keith and Helisa Omey and Kelly and Darren Williams. He leaves his grandchildren Parker Omey, John Westover, Jeffrey Westover and Michael Westover as well as Garrett and Connor Williams and Granddaughter, Kayla Jacoby. Gene took great joy in his eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Janine Rae Westover, stepsons Robert E. O'Dell and Scott L. O'Dell; sister Marilyn Omey; brother Ronald D. Omey; and parents Horace and Marjorie Omey.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers who so lovingly cared for him as well as his many friends who regularly visited him and brought him wonderful treats and grand stories to share as well as pictures of past adventures.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this spring.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of B. Omey, please visit our flower store.
B. Omey's Guestbook
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