Eugene Sirois

1929 - 2020

Eugene Sirois
June 17, 1929 - November 23, 2020
Sacramento, California - Eugene Sirois passed away at home on the night of November 23rd, at the age of 91 years old. He spent several months fighting cancer. He was with his wife, Judy by his side. He fought a long hard fight.
Gene's life was influenced by a friendship in his younger years, with the body builder, Jack LaLanne. He was inspired to work out faithfully and take care of himself, in the same manner all his life.
Gene's love of Opera and the Arts were key factors in his life. He was past President of the Sacramento Opera Association and one of the founders of the Sacramento Opera Company. He was marketing director, as well as leading Opera trips to New York City and Santa Fe, NM. for the Opera Company. It was a major part of his life. He was also active in the Sacramento Symphony and the Crocker Art Museum and loved attending the Crocker Ball.
His life started over at an older age when he re-married Judy Payne in 2004. They wasted no time in traveling all over Europe for a month at a time. Many trips to Mexico City, and many Arts performances. They were married the last 16 years of his life. They were on the go between San Francisco, St Helena, Carmel and Judy's home at Rancho Murieta Country Club, where they golfed every week. Their life was filled with city and country, new and old sets of friends. It was a very full life filled with action, adventure and wonderful experiences. Gene and Judy had been friends for over twenty-five years, through the Arts and becoming business partners in Real Estate. This is what held them together. This friendship became love and a long happy marriage.
Judy had been a world traveler taking Gene on a great trip, winding from Amsterdam, Brussels, Cracow, Istanbul, Prague and back home through Paris. Gene didn't think he would ever see America again!
Gene was a member of the Sutter Club and Rancho Murieta Country Club. He enjoyed both very much. He was also head usher at Sacred Heart Church for over 20 years. He lived a long, full life and with his big smile and joy of life, he had quality of life!
Gene leaves behind a son, Phillip Sirois, a sister Shirley Benesh, stepsons Jeff and Randy Payne and step grandsons Phin and Reed Payne. Donations in Eugene's memory may be made to the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera, 1020 15th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 and the Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814