E. Gene Crain

E. Gene Crain
, 87, passed on April 5, 2021 after a lifetime of passions, accomplishments and friendships. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Diane, two children Jennifer (Greg Roth) and David (Candace), four grandchildren Polly, Madeline, Carly, and Lucas, and his sister, Carol Wood.Born in Weatherford, Oklahoma, Gene moved to Orange County, California in 1942. He attended Newport Harbor High School and enjoyed an early career as a soda jerk at the Jolly Roger on Balboa Island. Gene studied at Pomona College where he triple majored in History, Government and Economics and was most proud of his time spent representing the Sagehens on the baseball field. After a stint in the Army, Gene's sharp intellect and analytical skills earned him a scholarship to the University of Chicago Law School and a rewarding 53 years of practicing law.Gene was a resident of
Laguna Beach
for over 50 years. He was an integral part of Laguna's art scene and a supporter of the Laguna Beach Art Museum. Amongst Gene's greatest friends were a group of California scene painters who shared his lifelong fascination and love for the region. For 60 years, Gene pursued an endless appreciation for these artists' ability to portray humanity and its relationship to nature. Through the mentorship and close friendship of Rex Brandt, Joan Irving, Phil Dike and Millard Sheets, Gene built a collection that was the most meaningful and enjoyable part of his life, outside of his family and friends. His collection has been displayed in numerous exhibits and shows, including the California Holiday show at the Laguna Museum of Art in 2002.Baseball was truly Gene's greatest pastime. He was a student of the game and played throughout his life, even into his 70's as part of the Dodgers Fantasy Camps where he was inducted into the Fantasy Camp Hall of Fame. He was an avid fan of both the Dodgers and the Angels. He was a supporter of Laguna Beach Little League, which he presided over from 1982-1987, and many other local baseball programs including UCI, Newport Harbor High School and the local junior colleges. He never ran out of baseball trivia questions to ask, and could invariably answer any trivia question asked of him. Gene greeted everyday by sharing a cup of coffee in Laguna Beach with his best friends, talking baseball, politics, Jeopardy, and relating stories of a life fully lived. He will be dearly missed.