Eugene F. Weaver

HANOVER Eugene F. "Gene" "Skip" Weaver, 78, lost his 30 plus years battle with MS on Sat urday, August 22, 2009 at his home with his loving wife by his side. Born June 14, 1931 in Hanover, he was the son of the late Anna (Weaver) Haner and the stepson of the late Norris Haner. Gene was the loving Husband of Margaret "Peg" (Rang) Weaver, with whom he shared 54 wonderful years of marriage. After a three year military commitment with the 82nd Airborne Army Division, Skip married Margaret in 1955. He retired from Beeler Manufacturing in 1996 with hopes of flying skydivers on the weekends. "Gene" as he was known in the flying community, earned his private pilot License in 1958 at the former Devener Airport in Hanover. In 1966 he completed training for his instrument and commercial ratings, beginning a 30 year part time career of flying skydivers in the York and Adams County area. During his flying career, he flew thousands of skydivers on their first jumps including his wife, daughter, both sons, and both daughter-inlaws. His generous donation of the use of his aircraft helped to raise over $40,000.00 for local charities during the many jumpa-thons held by the York Skydivers. With several thousand hours of flying time to his credit, he easily earned the respect of the local skydiving and piloting community. In addition to his wife, Gene is survived by one daughter, Bonnie Spalding and husband John of New Oxford; two sons, Frederick Weaver of Hanover and Cliff Weaver and wife Joyce of New Oxford; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one great-grandchild who died in 2008. He will be deeply missed. A memorial service to celebrate and remember Gene's life will be held 4 p.m., Thursday, at the Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover. A time to share memories with the family will be held from 3 to 4 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. A reception will follow the service at the McSherrystown Knights of Columbus, 342 Main Street, McSherrystown. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations to the National MS Society, c/o Eugene F. "Gene" Weaver Fund, (www.nationalmssociety.org/donate) or by mail, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central Pennsylvania Chapter, 2040 Linglestown Road, Suite 104, Harrisburg, PA 17110. The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to the Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover. Memories & condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.