Eugene "Gene" Walter Taube

Gene was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on August 31, 1934 to Henry Taube and Helen Wallace. His parents divorced when he was 5 years old and he was placed in foster homes. After a few years he went to live with his father and stepmother in St. Paul and eventually was reunited with his mother and brother during grade school. After high school, Gene wanted to see the world so he joined the Navy Air division. Gene proudly served his country for two active deployments, including being stationed in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis and in support of the Vietnam Conflict. After active duty he served over 27 years in the Navy Air Reserve, eventually reaching the rank of Chief. He was stationed at Whidbey Island in Washington.

After active duty, Gene went to the University of Minnesota, where he had the opportunity to get an education and a job with Ontario Paper (which later became Boise Cascade Paper Company). Gene was a pricing supervisor and he worked at Boise until his retirement in 1999.

Gene met the love of his life, Kathleen Ann (Kathy) Ryan at the St Paul Winter Carnival while she was on a date with an old Navy buddy of his. Not long afterwards Gene and Kathy started dating and fell in love. Gene loved spending time with the Ryan family. It did not take long before Gene and Kathy got married (December 28, 1963) and started their lives in Minneapolis. Their daughter Sue and son Scott were born soon after.

Boise transferred Gene to Portland Oregon in the fall of 1967. Gene and Kathy built a house in the Rockwood area and lived there until 1975. Their daughter Molly was born not long after they settled into their new home.

As a result of St. Anne and St. Joseph’s school closures, Gene and Kathy moved to the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Portland into All Saints Parish. They lived in their beloved home for the remainder of their lives. Their lives were filled with supporting all their children’s sporting and education endeavors, camping at Lake Merwin Campers Hideaway, exploring the Pacific Northwest and activities in the community.

Gene spent many hours volunteering throughout his life. He was active in all the parishes they lived in and spent countless hours giving back to All Saints School and LaSalle High School where their children attended.

In Gene’s retirement, he and Kathy enjoyed traveling, taking long daily walks and spending time with their children. Gene also found more time to give back to his community by volunteering at Portland Providence Hospital for over 19 years. The years at Providence were fruitful and he gained so many amazing friends. He had a very special place in his heart for the hardworking nurses in short stay. Additionally, he volunteered at St. Andres Bessette Church helping to feed the homeless and would help at the voting precinct in his neighborhood during election season. Gene was a faithful member of All Saints Catholic Church assisting many of the parish priests at daily mass, finally fulfilling his dream to become an altar boy.

Gene and Kathy were married for 46 years until Kathy’s passing in 2010 while they were on vacation in Italy. Not long after Kathy died, Gene suffered a disabling stroke. He spent many weeks in rehabilitation and achieved his goal to become active and independent again. After his recovery and with the help of his son Scott, Gene regained his love of bicycle riding. One of Gene’s proudest achievements was being able to complete the 210 mile Seattle to Portland (STP) bike ride in two days. The overwhelming joy of seeing Gene and Scott crossing the finish line left all cheering family members and friends in tears. He continued to ride 60 to 70 miles a week until late into his life.

Gene is proceeded in death by his wife Kathy Taube, his parents Henry Taube and Helen Wallace and his brother John Edwards.

Gene is survived by his brothers- in- law John Ryan (Mary) and Michael Ryan, his goddaughter Kathy Heneke and many nieces and nephews. Gene is also survived by his beloved children: Susan (Jeffrey), Scott and Molly; as well as 2 grandchildren.

Gene was a loving and supportive husband and father. In his understated manner he provided anything and everything needed for those around him to succeed. Gene had a quiet dignity and valued his faith and family deeply.

Recitation of the Rosary will start at 10:30 am with a celebration of mass at 11:00 am will be held at All Saints Catholic Church on October 30th. Reception in the church cafeteria will follow.

Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery.