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Gene Stone Obituary
February 15, 1959 - May 18, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that our family announces the sudden passing of Gene Michael Stone on May 18, 2025, at the age of 66. He will be greatly missed by his surviving family members: his daughter, Sydney Stone; his father, Robert Stone; his brothers, Greg Stone and Regan Stone; his sister, Stephanie Stone; 19 nieces and nephews; and 30 great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother, Geraldine Stone, and brothers James Stone and Robin Stone.
He was born on February 15, 1959, to Geraldine and Robert in Pocatello, ID. The majority of his childhood was spent in Portland, Oregon, with his five siblings. He attended Boise State University on a track & field athletic scholarship as a middle-distance runner. Gene proudly qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon twice an achievement that reflected his dedication and discipline both on and off the track. He graduated from BSU in 1983 with a BA in Business Management. In 1992, he returned to BSU to complete a teaching certification and his student teaching at Borah High School.
From 1990 to 1998, he was a smokejumper in Alaska and Idaho. In addition, he worked for 9 seasons as a wildland firefighter with multiple crews, including the Siuslaw NF, Boise Hotshots, and Arrowhead Hotshots.
He began his career in public education in 1992. A sense of adventure and service led him to work in Alaska, including Hooper Bay, Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), and Palmer. He retired as the superintendent of the Lower Yukon School District in 2024 to his final residence in Kenai, AK. Following his brief retirement, he spent the year driving across the country, visiting his many friends and family along the way. He also spent two weeks traveling in Australia. Gene leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service, and outstanding dedication to his family, friends, and community.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alaska Smokejumper Welfare Fund 1513 Gaffney Rd. Ft. Wainwright, AK 99703.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gene Stone
Ken Campbell
August 5, 2025
I met Gene, who I consider to be one of my best friends, in 1974. Over 50 years later I regard him as one of the best people I have ever met. To me he was courageous, almost fearless in his approach. I admired his love of the outdoors, especially in the face of the Alaskan wilderness. I saw him as a man who used his education and common sense to help lead people, many who were ignored or passed by. I didn´t see or speak with him very often but we didn´t need to. We both had very busy lives. When we would start talking after a few months or even a couple of years, it was as if we had just walked off the track! Back in the day, we ran cross country and track together. We ran at AAU competitions and all-comer track meets at Mt Hood CC. Yesterday I was trying to text him to finalize plans to meet up at his place later this month and to verify his address. To say I was shocked by an online search and finding his obituary is a gross understatement! Gene helped many hundreds, if not thousands, of people to live a far better life. My words fall far short of honoring him, and I will always remember my friend.
Richard and Stephanie Core
June 27, 2025
ene was one of those people you always felt comfortable around. He had a calming personality and whenever you would converse you knew he was listening and cared about you. Although my experiences with Gene were fewer than most of you out there it didn't lessen the impact of his loss. The world lost one of the greats. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones I know they will never lose the feeling of loss and emptiness. No words can relieve that loss and any attempts are futile. All I can say is remember his wry sense of humor, smile and laughter. His caring demeanor and thoughtful words and know he is always with you and we will meet again
John Lyons
June 26, 2025
Gene and I met as Rookie Smokejumpers in 1990. He was a coach and a leader in the group from the start. We formed a great friendship over the years but he was deeply influential in my life through his wise counsel and practical leadership advice. His record as an educator in Alaska is legendary and the institutions he implemented will benefit the children of Alaska for decades. I can say that he was one of the greatest humans I have ever known and I miss him dearly. My deepest condolences to his family. Please know that he made a deep mark on the people he met and worked with in his life. I cannot think of a single person that helped more people in his lifetime than Gene. We were lucky to have him in our lives.
Debbie Geary
June 11, 2025
My heart felt condolences may he rest in eternal peace. My prayers go out to Robert and Greg, daughter Sydney as well as the rest of his family.
Peace be with you all
John Hargis
June 10, 2025
I'm devastated by Gene's passing, he was an incredible friend and mentor for me. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Christine Teganlakla
June 9, 2025
I am a Regional School Board member with LYSD, where he served as superintendent. I'm honored to have worked with him. He helped me in my personal grief too. Thank you Gene u will be missed. My condolences to you his family who he always mentioned a lot.
Curt Sayre
June 9, 2025
May our hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as we celebrate a life well lived.
We had some great fun times in high school. Love being your track buddy.
lena
June 7, 2025
Condolences and prayers to Sydney, Robert and family. Gene would tell me "Give it to the Lord." We we´re so lucky we got to love and be loved.
lena & T
Ted Vogelpohl
June 6, 2025
My heart goes out to you, Genes family. I´m beyond words.
I was one of Genes friends in grade school (Lynch Terrace), so my stories go back from 1st grade.
Is there anyway that I might be able to attend his celebration of life?
It´s okay if not. He lived next to Della.
I´m having a hard time just now even writing this.
My name is Ted Vogelpohl and my email is [email protected]
I do understand if I´m too late.
Thanks
Carla Swick
June 6, 2025
I am so sad to learn of Gene´s passing. I got to know him through the Palmer Saroma Sister School Program. He embraced exchange and always made the students and staff from Saroma feel so welcome. He connected people. I am grateful for his leadership & friendship.
Rue
June 6, 2025
Gene,
Gone too soon, but never forgotten. You were always so supportive and proud of everything I accomplished. Thank you for everything, especially for encouraging me to chase big dreams and for helping me achieve so much. Your mission here on Earth is complete, and now it´s time for you to rest easy up there. I know this isn´t what you wanted, not yet. You had so many fishing trips and travel plans ahead of you. Thank you for all the smiles, the laughter, and even the grumpiness. You´ll always be remembered and deeply missed. You were one of the brightest, kindest, and most generous people I´ve known. I´ll always be grateful for your guidance, both in my career and in life. Keeping your family and loved ones in my prayers.
Michael J. Morris
June 6, 2025
Sending love and light to Gene´s family and loved ones.
Swani
June 5, 2025
Gene, great connection in Lake Havasu when you came down a few years ago to visit Scotty. We had a lot in common and I´m going to miss seeing you again here in this lifetime!
Sandra Shellnut
June 5, 2025
Nobody could tell a story like Gene Stone!! I remember him explaining why not to pee on an electric fence! Hilarious! I loved him...
Cheryl Pfenning
June 5, 2025
Gene, you were one of the guys in the white hats, a good guy. I was blessed to have known you. Rest well
Kathryn Thompson
June 5, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. He was the best principal I worked for, very talented in working with all stakeholders. His sense of humor made even tough days better. He will be missed very much. My condolences to Sydney. Hugs and Prayers. Kathryn Thompson
Melody & Steve Mann
June 5, 2025
Sydney, may your loving memories of your dad bring you peace. His passing stunned Alaskan educators who he mentored around the state. Be proud of his impact on all of Alaska. Bless you and your family.
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