It is with sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Eugene (Gene) Mack at MSA Hospital, Abbotsford on August 21, 2007. Gene was on a bus tour in Wenatchee, WA, with his good friend and companion, Mildred, when he suffered a sudden heart attack on August 16.
Gene was predeceased by Elsie, his wife of 57 years, following a prolonged illness.
Gene was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on June 21, 1927. His only sibling, a sister, passed away at age 62 in 1991. He had a long and celebrated career in sales and sales management, starting with the Winnipeg Sausage Company in the late 40s. He joined the sales team of Chesebrough Ponds Co. Canada in the late 60s in Winnipeg. Following his subsequent transfer to BC Gene and Elsie settled in Tsawwassen where they lived until the late 80s, later residing in Abbotsford.
Early on in Gene's career with Chesbrough Ponds the management recognized his leadership abilities, promoting him to Western Regional Sales Manager, responsible for BC and the three Prairie Provinces. He held this position until he took early retirement in 1984 although he was retained on a part-time basis as a consultant to the company. Gene earned the respect of his competitors and his peers alike. He was a true gentleman, highly revered by his business colleagues and many friends.
Gene loved sports and as a young man in Winnipeg he excelled at the position of first base and was consequently inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. He was an avid curler and golfer, continuing to play golf right up to this year.
Gene had recently started a new chapter in his life with his good friend Mildred and she was with him at the end. He passed away peacefully without suffering and it was said at his Celebration of LIfe that "he was doing what he loved to do with the person he loved to be with". He will be profoundly missed.