Eugene Marble

Eugene "Gene" R. Marble, 85, of La Conner, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

Gene was born on May 19, 1939, in Tacoma, to Bud and Sara Marble. At the age of 7, his family relocated to Friday Harbor, where he spent his childhood and graduated from Friday Harbor High School in 1957. He pursued higher education at Gonzaga University and Central Washington University, earning a bachelor's degree in education. During his time at CWU, Gene met and married Joan Hanlon. The couple moved to Skagit County after graduation, raising four children: Danny, Sherrie, Kelly and Curt.

After teaching for two years at Westview Elementary School in Burlington, Gene decided to dedicate himself to commercial salmon fishing in Puget Sound and Bristol Bay, Alaska – a career that brought him great fulfillment.

Gene cherished travel, exploring the U.S. by motorhome and venturing abroad on cruise ships. For 40 winters, he and Joan called Kona, Hawaii, their seasonal home, where Gene enjoyed playing tennis, bridge and pinochle.

He was also deeply involved in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, frequently attending their sporting and musical events. Gene often shared his wish to see his youngest granddaughter, Ellie, play high school basketball. He was proud to witness her compete in volleyball at his alma mater, Central Washington University.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Sara Marble; his brother, Lee Marble; his son, Danny Marble; and his daughter, Kelly Hastings. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan; his daughter, Sherrie (Greg) Marble; his son, Curt (Suzanne) Marble; and his brother, Dale Marble and sister-in-law Linda Marble. He leaves behind nine grandchildren: Nathan Hastings (Lena), Carlee Daub (Bryce), Brad Rabenstein (Abi), Eric Marble (Julie), Trish Hastings, Jordan Eliason (Eva), Alex Eliason, Luke Marble, and Ellie Marble. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Parker and George Hastings, Tatum and Rylee Daub, and Saylor and Rhett Marble.

Gene will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his dedication to family, and his love of all things fishing. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice of the Northwest, 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.