Eugene Ward Bain

1945 - 2025

Eugene Ward Bain, 80, of Ashburn, Virginia, died on September 6, 2025, at home after a courageous battle with Burkitt lymphoma. He faced his illness with grace, courage, humor, dignity, and unwavering hope - an enduring reflection of the strength and spirit with which he lived his life.

Born July 12, 1945, in Roanoke, Virginia, he was the oldest of three sons of the late Chester Ward and Sylvia Rubinowitz Bain. He was also predeceased by his brother, Douglas Gwynne Bain. He is survived by his wife Emily Kathryn Collum Bain. Gene and Katy met in high school trigonometry class in 1961. They were married nearly 63 years and shared a lifetime of adventures, challenges, and joy.

Gene is also survived by their three children: William Ward Bain (Diana) of Singapore; Sylvia Kathryn Bain Moran of Herndon, VA; and Earle Eugene Bain (Veelynn) of Libertyville, IL. They all carry forward his legacy of curiosity, compassion, and humor. He was an adoring grandfather to Kathryn Lynn Moran, Emily Ruth Moran, Sarah Elizabeth Moran, Ariadne Alexandra Bain, Callum Ward Hoskins Bain, William Wilson Bain, and Kenna Kathryn Hoskins Bain, each of whom brought him great delight.

Gene is also survived by his brother Charles Lynwood Bain (Dinah) of Bridport, VT, his niece and goddaughter Emily Dawn Del Priore of Hilton Head, SC, and six other nieces, three nephews, and other extended family.

Gene graduated from Columbia High School in 1963 and the University of South Carolina with a BS in 1967 and an MBA in 1973.

In 1976, Gene and his family moved to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, to work for Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil company. He retired in 2005 after 30 years of service. Most of his career was in Executive Compensation and Organization and Industrial Engineering. During their time in Saudi Arabia, Gene and his family enjoyed scuba diving, desert camping, and international travel. Over the years, he visited more than 40 countries.

In grade school, Gene began collecting stamps, a hobby he continued until his death. His collections are mainly stamps from the United States and Saudi Arabia. Also in retirement, he bought a lathe and took up wood turning. His specialty was fashioning beautiful pens, which he regularly gave as gifts to friends and family.

A man of quiet conviction and generous spirit, he was an active and devoted member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Herndon, Virginia. He served faithfully on the church council, finance and personnel teams, and as a trustee.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, September 20, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1090 Sterling Road, Herndon, VA. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Pam Mitcham serving as officiant.

Interment will be at 1:45 p.m. at Chestnut Grove Cemetery, 831 Dranesville Road, Herndon, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO Box 98018, Washington, DC, 20090-8018; or Holy Cross Lutheran Church Infrastructure & Development Fund.

You may sign the online guestbook at Adams-Green Funeral Home: www.adamsgreen.com.