Donald Gene “Gene” Pease

June 15, 1938 – August 15, 2025

Opening Statement
Donald Gene Pease graciously passed into the arms of his loving Savior, Jesus Christ, at home on August 15, 2025, at the age of 87.

Early Life
Gene was born on June 15, 1938, in Yakima, Washington, to Harold E. and Dorothy Pease. He was the second of four children, following his older brother Harold and preceding his sisters, Nancy and Phyllis.

As a boy, Gene was known for his yo-yo tricks and marble collection, which his grandchildren later loved to admire. While living in Yakima, he worked alongside his father picking fruit in orchards and also at Hiway-Market with his brother, Harold.

Marriage & Family
Gene later moved to Seattle to attend Seattle Pacific College, working as an elevator operator at the library. It was there that he met the love of his life, Jackie, his bride of 60 years. Though their courtship began playfully with disagreements, by their second date Jackie declared they would be married—and she was right.

They were married on June 6, 1959, in Seattle, Washington. Together they built a family that became Gene’s greatest joy, raising children and watching their family grow into generations of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even a great-great-grandchild.

Passions & Interests
Affectionately called the “Energizer Bunny” by friends and family, Gene was always busy with projects and adventures. His many loves included:

• Gardening and baking
• Ice cream and family camping trips
• Cheering for Boise State and the Seattle Mariners
• Coaching Boise youth baseball
• Traveling to Disneyland
• Enjoying classic cars
• Building rock dams in creeks
• Attending his kids’ and grandkids’ events

Gene’s active spirit and devotion to family filled his life with joy and purpose.

Survivors & Preceded in Death

• Preceded in death by: His parents, Harold and Dorothy Pease, and his beloved wife, Jackie Pease.
• Survived by:
  • Children: Robin Thomas, Wendy Bernard (Ron), and Jeff Pease (Debi)
  • Grandchildren: James Tyler Thomas (Cheri), Ryan Combes (Janet1e), Justin Northway (Kelly), Jeffrey Blake Northway (Kat), Michael Pease (Lindsey), Hailie Duncan (Bruce), and Greyson Pease
  • Great-grandchildren: James Cameron Thomas, Noah Thomas, Chase Northway, Matthew Thomas, Kaden Combes, Amy Northway, Kai Combes, Mabel Northway, Caroline Northway, Dorothy Northway, Abraham Northway, Cadence Pease, and Magnolia Duncan
  • Great-great-grandson: Charley Thomas
  • Siblings: Harold Pease (Margaret), Nancy Sunde, and Phyllis Brown
  • Many nieces, nephews, and in-laws too numerous to list

Acknowledgments
The family wishes to thank the staff of Loving Embrace Assisted Living Facility and Keystone Hospice for their compassion and dedicated care during Gene’s final days.

Closing Tribute
Gene’s boundless energy, generous heart, and love for his family will live on in the many lives he touched. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered.