Uncle Gene died in his sleep, as Aunt El, his wife of nearly 59 years, held his hands, along with their children, Ken and Terri, and daughter in law Cathy.
Uncle Gene's passing is very hard for Anne and me because we were so close to this wonderful man. In fact I've been close to him my entire 69 year life. On Monday, only three days ago, Anne and I were with Uncle Gene in the physical rehab facility in which he was staying, and had the pleasure of listening to him share some stories and impart his wisdom.
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| Uncle Gene, Kyle and baby Ikaika at Lawry’s on New Year’s Eve, 2013 with Aunt El and Anne’s mother Mary across the table |
But he was frail, which is striking when one considers he was such a powerfully built person nearly all of his life. And the vigorous quality of life he treasured was no longer available to him, and it apparently came time for him to say goodbye. I will miss him greatly, as will many other people for Uncle Gene had a wide variety of friends and business associates, including the two lovely ladies who worked for him, Inga and Vickie.
On January 14th, 2014 I had the pleasure of telling an Uncle Gene story, a story that also included a photo of Uncle Gene, a photo he liked very much, taken by Aaron Solomon about a week before the piece published. http://www.kazantoday.com/WeeklyArticles/gene-kazan1.html
Now our focus becomes Aunt El, Ken, Terri and Cathy, and we will turn our immediate attention to Uncle Gene's funeral which is planned for Monday, four days from now.
The following is his daughter Terri's announcement of his death:
I am sorry to tell you that my Dad just passed away. It was peaceful. We were all around him holding his hands.
We will contact you soon.
Love to all
Terri
What follows is Anne's and my son Kyle's loving response to Terri's announcement:
Dear Terri,
What follows is Anne's and my son Kyle's loving response to Terri's announcement:
Dear Terri,
I'm comforted that you, Ken and Aunt El were with
him. I can't think of a better way to
exit this life than surrounded by those who are closest to you.
I was lucky to have had him in my life for almost 47
years and he will not only live on through his wife and children but in the
MANY lives he touched.
Please let me know what I can do to be of assistance.
With love,
Kyle
The following is a note from our son Kevin's father in law and our close friend Ben Haney.
Also, my condolences about your loss of Uncle Gene. He was a swell man, a great cook and a wonderful man that took care of his family. My heart is heavy for Ellie, a grand lady and a true friend. Ben
The following is a note from Priscilla Hernandez, on behalf of her dad, Danny Hernandez, the President of the Hollenbeck Youth Center in East Los Angeles. Danny and Uncle Gene were very close, and Uncle Gene served on the Hollenbeck Board of Directors.
Dick,
The following is a note from our son Kevin's father in law and our close friend Ben Haney.
Also, my condolences about your loss of Uncle Gene. He was a swell man, a great cook and a wonderful man that took care of his family. My heart is heavy for Ellie, a grand lady and a true friend. Ben
The following is a note from Priscilla Hernandez, on behalf of her dad, Danny Hernandez, the President of the Hollenbeck Youth Center in East Los Angeles. Danny and Uncle Gene were very close, and Uncle Gene served on the Hollenbeck Board of Directors.
Dick,
We are very saddened by the news of Gene's passing. He was
such a beautiful person, I can't say enough about him and his wonderful spirit.
Please pass on our deepest condolences to the whole Kazan family. The Hollenbeck family is feeling the
lost of one of our own a well as a result of his departure. We
will miss him however I know that heaven is brighter by his presence.
-The Hernandez and Hollenbeck
Family
The following note is from Rossette Escalambre, the Executive Assistant to the General Manager of The Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver. From 1970 until recent years, Uncle Gene stayed at The Westin Bayshore nearly every time he conducted business in Vancouver, and he was so fond of this hotel, that he insisted Anne and I stay there during our first visit to Vancouver in 1995. We have stayed there every time since, and we go there nearly every year.
In 2001, Rossette booked the honeymoon stay there for our Anne's and my son Kevin and his beautiful bride Melody.
In recent years, as the limitations of older years set in, Uncle Gene stopped visiting Vancouver. But two years ago Rossette convinced him and Aunt El to come and she personally took great care of them. He had such a good time, it was relatively easy for Rossette to convince them to come again last year.
Each time, Rossette would make arrangements for them to visit places and restaurants she knew they would enjoy and on each visit, she sat with them in their hotel room listening to Uncle Gene share stories including family stories. Nobody else but Rossette could have convinced Uncle Gene to visit again, let alone twice. The following is Rossette's note:
Hello Mr. Kazan,
The following note is from Rossette Escalambre, the Executive Assistant to the General Manager of The Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver. From 1970 until recent years, Uncle Gene stayed at The Westin Bayshore nearly every time he conducted business in Vancouver, and he was so fond of this hotel, that he insisted Anne and I stay there during our first visit to Vancouver in 1995. We have stayed there every time since, and we go there nearly every year.
In 2001, Rossette booked the honeymoon stay there for our Anne's and my son Kevin and his beautiful bride Melody.
In recent years, as the limitations of older years set in, Uncle Gene stopped visiting Vancouver. But two years ago Rossette convinced him and Aunt El to come and she personally took great care of them. He had such a good time, it was relatively easy for Rossette to convince them to come again last year.
Each time, Rossette would make arrangements for them to visit places and restaurants she knew they would enjoy and on each visit, she sat with them in their hotel room listening to Uncle Gene share stories including family stories. Nobody else but Rossette could have convinced Uncle Gene to visit again, let alone twice. The following is Rossette's note:
Hello Mr. Kazan,
I got this yesterday and I cannot reply, I am still in
shock that Uncle Gene is gone! I will
definitely miss him and I hope Auntie Ellie is ok? I am right now writing a sympathy card for
Auntie Ellie. WOW, such a great man to
get to know and so happy I was able to see both of them the past 2 years after
a long time. I will MISS you Uncle GENE!
Please send my love to Auntie Ellie.
ROSSETTE ESCALAMBRE
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