Gene David Edinger

Gene David Edinger of Corvallis died January 7, 2018 at Evergreen Hospice House in Albany. He was 79. Gene was born in Harrisburg, Illinois on March 18, 1938 to Howard and Emma Edinger. The family moved to Charleston, Illinois when he was ten years old. In the seventh grade, he met the love of his life, Sandra Gordon. They married at 16. They both attended Eastern Illinois University where Gene earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Education in 1960. He began his career in education in Morris, Illinois where he taught at a middle school for two years. In 1962, the family, consisting of four children and a cat moved to San Pedro, California where Gene taught for Los Angeles City Schools. Working nights and weekends, he earned a Master’s of Science in School Administration at USC. In 1968, the family moved to Crescent City, California where Gene was hired as a principal. For the next 30 years Gene worked for the Del Norte County School District, ending his career as District and County Superintendent of Schools. After retirement, Gene and Sandra moved to Corvallis, where they enjoyed spending time with their family and camping with friends, old and new. Gene loved watching Pac-12 sports and was an Oregon State “Beaver Believer” except when his beloved USC Trojans came to town. Throughout his life, Gene pursued his passion for volunteer service. In Del Norte County, he was instrumental in helping establish a Habitat for Humanity chapter, serving as the first co-president. He also was member of Kiwanis for more than 45 years. In Oregon, he continued with his dedication to making the community a better place, spending countless hours as a volunteer for Dial-A-Bus, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis, and Benton County during elections. Perhaps his greatest volunteer joy was walking dogs, especially large breeds, for Heartland Humane Society in Corvallis. Gene is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Sandra; children, Gene (Marie), Pamela (Mark Snodgrass), Stephen (Terry), and Christopher; grandchildren Tina, Brian, Zackary, Kerry, Chelsea, Amy, and Mackenzie; and great-grandson Liam. He is also survived by two sisters; and a brother. At his request, no services will be held. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Heartland Humane Society or Del Norte Scholarship Foundation at 1301 El Dorado St., Crescent City, CA 95531.

Tributes

Gene David Edinger

March 18, 1938 - January 7, 2018