Gene was born to Hank and Maxine Rawson on November 30 1947, in Puyallup Washington. He graduated from White River High School in 1966 and immediately started his 50+ year career in the logging industry. He married his wife Karen in 1967 and they raised

two children. Son Barry and daughter Kayce.

All those who knew Gene knew he worked extremely hard each and every day, yet he thoroughly enjoyed his life as a logger. Rarely, but sometime she would hint about retirement but most of us realized there was zero chance he ever would.

In his spare time, Gene enjoyed building classic cars as well as racing them. He was a member of the Northwest Nostalgia Tour race group. He raced for numerous years with them and had met many great friends through this association.

Gene suffered a stroke in the early morning hours of April 16th. Since then, he had been undergoing rehab and making progress when sadly he suffered a second stroke on June 27th. He took his last earthly breath on Saturday, June 29th surrounded by his family.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Karen of 53 years, his parents, and siblings Carol and Duke. He is survived by sister Hazel, son Barry (Tracy), daughter Kayce, girlfriend Shelley, and grandchildren Brittney, Tyler, Chaise, and Ally.

TheviewingwillbeonThursday,July11thfrom 3-7pm at Buckley Weeks Funeral Home. There will be a graveside service for Gene on Friday, July12th at 2pm at Buckley Cemetery and a reception to follow at Gene’s home.

Donations may be made to The Buckley Log Show.