November 5, 1944 – November 3, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gene McCrea at the age of 77, after a brief battle with cancer. Gene was born in Bengaugh, Saskatchewan, the youngest of 11 children. At the age of 6, the family moved to Melfort, Saskatchewan. This is where Gene spent his summers playing baseball and his winters playing hockey. It was in Melfort that Gene would meet the love of his life, the woman who he would spend it with: Arlene.
Gene and Arlene were married on June 2nd, 1967, and spent the next 55 years together building a beautiful life and raising their children: Kendra Lee (1978), and Aaron Mitchell (1982). Tragically, their first born daughter, Tara Lynn (1973) passed at birth. Gene and Arlene resided in Melfort, Prince Albert, and finally, Candle Lake.
Gene’s life-long love of sports was passed on to his children and his grandsons. There was nothing he enjoyed more than coaching and watching them play. He spent years coaching Kendra’s fastball and Aaron’s hockey teams. When his grandsons began playing hockey and baseball, he wanted to be at every game cheering them on; sometimes going hoarse from cheering so hard.
He was predeceased by his daughter Tara Lynn, his parents Kenneth and Florence, and 6 of sisters and his brother.
Gene is survived by his wife Arlene, daughter Kendra, her husband Jason and their sons Oliver and Owen, and his son Aaron, and his fiancé Kendra.
He will be greatly missed by his family and all those who were lucky enough to call him a friend.
A celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2023 where we can drink some morning glories and share some memories.
My deepest condolences, hugs, love, and prayers to you Arlene, Kendra, Aaron and Gene’s beloved grandsons. I was so shocked to see Kendra’s post about Gene’s passing. Although, only through marriage, I always considered Gene a cousin. It was always great to see him and to visit. Sadly because of Covid the times were few in the past years. I know that you will miss him beyond measure.
Dear Arlene, Kendra and Aaron,,
We were so shocked and sorry to hear of Gene’s passing away, and we send our sincere sympathy to you all. Our hearts go out to you, Kendra!
Dan and Heather McAvoy
Arlene and family… I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss and send my deepest sympathy, Gene was so kind, generous with his volunteer time and I rarely saw Gene without Arlene by his side. I know his passing will leave a huge hole in your hearts and I pray your memories will comfort you in the painful days ahead.
Arlene, Aaron, Kendra and families. We are so sad to hear of Gene’s passing and send our deepest condolences to all of you. Joe remembers fondly his coaching days with Gene and his passion for his kids and enthusiasm for whatever they were doing …. sounds like he never stopped. May you all find comfort in the memories.
Arlene, Aaron, Kendra and families, our sincere condolences on your loss of Gene. John knew Gene from high school and although we have not kept in touch, he was a good guy and remembered with positive memories.
I am so sorry to hear about Gene “Geno”. He was an incredible man, someone I consider to be a role model on how to live a good life, be kind to others and live honestly. Thanks for all the help when i needed it Geno.