EUGENE R. CEDERSTRAND

Eugene R. Cederstrand, passed away early November 1st after a courageous battle with CHF resulting from a heart attack last December. He passed way peacefully with family at his side. He is preceded in death by his wife Diane, and his beloved baby son, Keith.

Born in Anacortes, Washington to Olaf and Mabel Cederstrand, (Nokleby), he attended Anacortes High School, graduating 1955, and served in the US Air Force 1955-59. Gene worked as a mechanist in the Aerospace Program at Boeing from 61'-71'. He was proud of his contribution in the development of the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicles for NASA.
Gene started acquiring apartments with his brother, Ken and left Boeing to start Cederstrand Rentals. Together, they concentrated on buying and renovating buildings in the Rainier Valley to the Central area. Later, after his son Eric became involved, they completed several historic renovations in Tacoma as well as projects in Lacey and Idaho.

Gene was an honest and generous man with a big heart. He was not a man of many words, until given the chance to tell a story about a great car, a special antique , an exotic foreign country, helping someone in need, or teaching a beautiful lady to dance! Then his quick wit, charm and confidence would emerge, and an audience born. For 35 years he was an avid ballroom dancer several nights a week. He was an active member of the Rainier Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ballard and Burien Elks Lodge, Pacific Tiger Automobile Club, and the Pace Setters Dance Club.

The family would like to extend special thanks Swedish Hospital Dr. Barnhardt, Dr. Baciewicz and Dr. Tan and the many doctors at Tacoma General Hospital and the CHF Clinic. We also want to thank Tiffany Yancey, Joe McIntyre and the other caregivers for their help and assistance over many months.

He leaves behind his devoted son, Eric Cederstrand (Tenley), grandchildren Avery and Annika, step-children Randall Standish, Allena Standish, her children Kelsey, Shayna and Quinlyn, brother Ken Cederstrand (David Watts), niece Florette, and brother Nils Cederstrand (Ronni) and children, first wife Paulette Quirie (Good) who's tireless assistance was so appreciated, and his special friend, Marlene Gaw, whose visits were the highlight if his week. We'd also like to thank the countless friends in the Seattle area.

Gene was loved and respected by his family, community, employees and his friends. He will be missed by all of us. We love you! Now you can dance again Dad.

A celebration of Eugene's life will be held Saturday November 22 at the Ballard Elks Lodge from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Tacoma General Hospital CHF Clinic.