Robert Eugene "Gene" Penny

1934 - 2025

Robert Eugene "Gene" Penny

December 19, 1934 - July 22, 2025

Robert (Gene) Eugene Penny, 90, passed away peacefully at his home after a brief illness with his loving family around him. Born on December 19, 1934, in Butte, Mont., Gene grew up in a town known for its grit and resilience and carried these qualities into his adult life.

In 1956, Gene married his beloved wife, Helen Shea, and together they moved to Boseman, MT., where Gene completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in January 1959. He accepted a position with The State of California, Department of Water Resources in Sacrament, CA, and 3 months later he was drafted into the United States Army. After basic training he was assigned to the Post Engineering Office at Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver, CO. In 1961 he was named Soldier of the Year for the Post and awarded a week-long trip to the U.S. Army Annual Convention in Washington D.C. He was honorably discharged in late 1969 and returned to his job with the State of California. Gene worked for several agencies for the State of California and during that time he completed the requirements for registration as a Professional Engineer and was licensed by the State of California. He also completed requirements for a Masters Degree in Public Administration at Golden Gate University in San Francisco.

Retiring in 1995, Gene channeled his energy into improving his home, designing and remodeling the kitchen and adding a great room. He and Helen traveled by truck to Anchorage, Alaska, where he helped his brother, Bart, build a house. He and Helen developed and cared for a lovely garden in their large backyard. They traveled extensively to Europe, Alaska, Newfoundland, Montana and frequently and especially to Oregon to visit their son Brian and his family. They especially enjoyed dancing together, freestyle and joyfully, for many years.

Tall, strong, yet gentle and sensitive, Gene's greatest gift was his capacity for love, care and nurturing, especially his wife, son and extended family. It was particularly important to him to be a loving and involved father to Brian. He introduced him to golf, took him fishing, boating, and to many professional and local sporting events. He provided the tools and the expertise for car and engine mechanics.

Gene loved being a grandfather to Celia and Mitchell, watching them grow, delighting in their report cards, cheering for them at their games, teasing them and making them laugh.

A man of dignity, practical skills and a poetic soul, he wrote little poems for Helen, dabbled in art and cherished spiritual and philosophical reflection. He grew up tough, never shied away from a challenge and met all life's tasks head-on.

Gene wished for his loved ones to remember all the many kindnesses they have received from others, to ask for help from their own spiritual guide, and to "lament not, rejoice in the moment."

Gene is survived by his wife, Helen; their son, Brian (Shelley); and grandchildren, Celia and Mitchell of Sherwood, Ore. Also by brothers, Bart (Vali), Butte, Mont., and their children; his brother, Steven (Gena) of Redmond, Ore., and their children. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Kane and her family of Butte, Mont. He was especially close to his niece, Julie Hoekstra; and her children, Lucas and Kaitlin of Montclair, Calif.

A celebration of life will be held in October for family and friends. Condolences and words of sympathy may be left with this newspaper. In lieu of flowers or to honor Gene's memory, please consider a gift to Providence Hospital Hospice Services, Napa, Calif.