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BORN
1937
DIED
2014
Gene McCracken Obituary
March 23, 1937 - August 22, 2014
Gene McCracken passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on August 22, 2014.He was born and raised in North Carolina, and received a degree in engineering from North Carolina State. He then traveled around the country for work before settling in San Francisco in 1969. Not much later, he noticed a pretty lady with a red Mustang living down the street. He offered to help her with her groceries, then invited her to dinner, and several months later he asked Ruth to be his wife.
In search of sunshine and warmer weather, the newly married couple left San Francisco and moved down the peninsula to San Mateo into the home they would share for the next 43 years. Several years later they welcomed a daughter, Lisa.
While in San Mateo, Gene worked as a real estate agent for many years. After retiring he became very active in exploring his Scottish roots. As a result he became the Western USA Vice-Chairman of Clan Macnachtan Association Worldwide, and was Past President and Chairman of the Board of Saint Andrew's Society of San Francisco at the time of his death. He was also an active member of the Elks Club in San Mateo and the R-Ranch at the Lake in Napa.
Above all, Gene had a passion for life and loved to talk to people. He stayed active and busy with a myriad of volunteer responsibilities, projects in the house and yard, event planning, travel plans, social obligations, 49ers games, and quality time spent with his family. He also enjoyed wood working, sailing, horseback riding, listening to jazz music late at night, memorizing and reciting poetry, and a good single malt scotch.
Gene is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Lisa, son-in-law to be Russ Hattig, and an extensive network of friends and associates.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Club at 229 W 20th Ave in San Mateo, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on September 6.
Memorial contributions can be made to Saint Andrew's Society of San Francisco at 1088 Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94133.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gene McCracken
found this picture
suzanne henley
September 8, 2014
sorry I got the dates mixed up for the service...you are in my thoughts, gene was a special man
Stephanie Wood
September 5, 2014
Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss.
Linda McCracken Brown
September 4, 2014
Ruthie, we are saddened to learn of Gene's passing but we know there's a great reunion in heaven of McCracken cousins--JoAnna, John, Gene and Rich. We will continue to remember you and Lisa in thought and prayer.
Karen McCracken
September 2, 2014
Ruthie, I am so sorry for your loss, little did you and I know that we would lose Gene and Richard two days apart. Richard passed away on Sunday the 24th. Imagine how surprised he was when he walked through heavens gates and saw his cousin Gene there......and one day we will join them. Our family enjoyed spending time with you last year at Peggy's. We are so thankful for those memories and I see that Mike has posted the photo.
The McCracken "Clan"
Mike McCracken
September 2, 2014
September 1, 2014
T'was a pleasure and privilege to be a colleague of Gene McCracken. Gene and Ruth were a delight to be around, from our St. Andrews Banquets to oysters at Tomales Bay, Gene was a champion reciting Burns: "Address to a Haggis" or shucking oysters.
Aye Gene an weel hav a wee deoch an doris befor we gang awa!
T V
September 1, 2014
Gene, Lad, Here is a candle to light the way. We will miss you. Sending love to you and your family.
August 30, 2014
Dear Lisa and Ruth,
It was my pleasure to meet your father and husband. He was welcoming, friendly and had a warm sense of humor. I am glad I had an opportunity to meet him and feel the joy he exuded. I am profoundly sorry for your sudden loss and I hope that your wonderful memories will lift your spirits and carry you forward. With love, Grace Sorg
August 30, 2014
BILL AND CAROL POHLMAN
Julie and Hector Meza
August 29, 2014
Uncle Gene lived life to the fullest, he will always be remembered for his smile and kind heart. Aunt Ruthie and Lisa our thoughts and prayers are with you and his love for both of you is eternal.
August 29, 2014
Uncle Gene was a kind and gentile man. He loved his wife and was very proud of his daughter Lisa. We will miss his wonderful smile and his caring attitude.
Ann
Shields
Gary and Candace Shook
August 29, 2014
We will always remember Genes smile as he rode horses on the ranch. Gene was an awesome person and man. He will be missed. Sending prayers.
Michael McCracken
August 29, 2014
Gene and Ruth were always friendly at the Scottish Games in Pleasanton and he was a great Clan McNaughton Brother.
August 29, 2014
GENE AND RUTH WERE A PERFECT MATCH. RUTH IS MY SIS 'MO' S CLASSMATE AND SUCH FUN AT THE COTTAGE ON LAKE HURON. ALL THE CLANS WILL MEET IN HEAVEN ONE DAY. Carol Dankers Creswell
It's been hard to keep up with RRanch friends back here in Utah.
Britt Casassa Verdugo
August 29, 2014
Prayers going out to you Ruth and the family. Gene did so much for the RRanch. He will be missed very much.
JoAnne Anderson
August 28, 2014
Ruth and Family - it was such a pleasure to meet the both of you at the NE Florida Games in 2013. Gene had such a zest for life and lived it to the fullest. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in all your shared memories.
Bob & Debbie Doman
August 28, 2014
Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Such a big loss. Gene was so full of life. He will be missed.
Summer McCormick
August 28, 2014
May you rest in peace. You will be missed by many, if not all who had the pleasure to know you and your beautiful family.
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