Gene Allen Long of Hermiston passed away in Richland, Wash. on July 11, 2020 at the age of 51.
He was born on Sept. 7, 1968 in Butte, Mont.
Gene moved to Oregon as a child, living in Pendleton and graduating from Riverside High School in the class of 1987. He lived for a short time in Elk City, Idaho, where he worked in a sawmill. He also lived and worked in Cove for a short time, where he was a Matco Tool distributor.
Most of his adult life, Gene resided in the Hermiston area, where he worked as the manager of Bert’s Auto Salvage and Towing for nearly 20 years. He loved his job as a tow truck driver, where he would much rather receive a letter of appreciation than a tip. He enjoyed going the extra mile to help someone in need, giving the shirt off his back if necessary. He was not someone who sat idle and gave 110 percent in everything he put his hand to. He really enjoyed talking with his customers and people in general.
Gene had a huge love of his tow trucks; he rebuilt them and re-designed them to make them even better with every last detail. Gene enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a gun enthusiast. He had a very creative side as a talented artist and enjoyed putting his skills to work while creating various diverse projects. He could create anything he put his mind to and had limitless abilities. He loved going on any kind of adventure with his wife.
Gene married the love of his life, Dawn on April 7, 2004 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.
He is survived by his wife, Dawn; son, Darren Gibson; daughters, Keshi Richmond and Samantha Long; one sister and two brothers; and his mother-in-law, Linda Monroe.
He was preceded in death by his mom, Vicki and his dad, Donald; father-in-law, Mike Monroe; and brother-in-law, Jason Monroe.
A private family celebration of life will be held due to COVID-19 restrictions. A public gathering will be scheduled at a later date when COVID allows.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
