Gene Allan Washburn

1974 - 2025

Gene Allan Washburn, at age 50, passed away on August 18, 2025 in Sequim, Washington.

Gene was born in Seattle, WA to Lynn M. and Roger Washburn on November 24, 1974. He was eagerly welcomed by older brother Shawn. In 1983, the boys excitedly welcomed younger brother Josh, and to the three boys delight, in 1989, youngest brother Mike joined the family, creating a lively and adventurous household of four boys.

From the start, Gene was a prankster with an infectious spirit. His mischievous humor and unforgettable laugh brightened every room he entered. Family and friends will forever remember the sparkle in his eyes, his vivacious smile and his euphoric laughter. Like the time Mom had a double-scoping, so Gene showed up with flowers, a feel better soon card and a gift bag. As Mom carefully opens the bag so as not to break anything, only to find a big bottle of Scope mouthwash and Gene laughing hysterically. All who knew Gene will always remember his smile and laughter, it always brightened the day.

Gene attended school in Port Angeles, Sequim and took welding courses at Peninsula College.

He started Commercial Fishing at age 14 with his stepdad, Mike. He fished in Washington and Alaska over the years. Gene learned to log at a young age and also logged in Washington and Alaska.

He was also a member of the Carpentry Union and helped build the new housing on Francis St. in Port Angeles.

He eventually went back to his love of logging and in 2022, opened his own business, NWFW-Tree Service.

On May 31st, 2002 Gene married Shannon Van Dyken in Waldron, Arkansas. Their marriage brought four children to the family.

Gene married Stephanie Dodaro at Beaver Falls in Beaver, Washington on July 4, 2017, and three more children were welcomed into the family.

Gene loved riding his Harley with Stephanie and his friends, and he loved teaching his children to ride at young ages.

Gene loved all his family and time outdoors with them was one of his greatest joys. He loved teaching his children to hunt, fish, dig clams and geoduck. The family also loved picking mushrooms and wild berries. For Gene, berries were essential, always pie, never cake.

He enjoyed our beautiful Peninsula and sharing his love of nature and all our area has to offer with his family.

Gene cleaned up well and was the Dad who dressed up and showed up with his daughters to the Daddy-Daughter dances. He also loved taking his family to concerts.

Gene will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

To his Mom, he will always be her "Mean-Gene the Dancing-Machine", a nickname given to him as a toddler by his Papa Karl.

He is survived by Stephanie Washburn, sons Jay and Genesis Dodaro and daughter Skilar Washburn; Shannon Washburn, sons Nick Hodson, Caleb Washburn and daughters Teresa and Keira Washburn.

He is also survived by Mother and stepfather, Lynn M. and Mike McFarland; brothers Shawn (Wendy), Sam and Byron Washburn; Josh Rigley, and Mike (Sam) McFarland. Grandma Clare Judge

Gene is also survived by Stepmom Jeannie Braack, and Nephews Dylan Washburn and Aiden McFarland. Many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Roger Washburn, Grandpa Karl W. McClain, Grandma Margaret McClain, Great Grandma Lucille (LuLu) Dunker and Grandma Nadine Braack.

Your memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part, God has you in His keeping. We have you in our hearts.

Graveside Interment is on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm, Oceanview Cemetary, 3127 W. 18th St., Port Angeles, Washington.

A Celebration of Life/Potluck is planned for all family and friends. All who knew and loved Gene are asked to join us in celebrating Gene on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2pm at Salt Creek Picnic Kitchen, 3506 Camp Hayden Rd., Port Angeles, Washington. Bring your memories and stories to share!