Bert 'Gene' Gunsalus, 67

The garage door wouldn’t open, the sinks were plugged and the lights wouldn’t come on, so St. Peter went to The Boss and asked, “What’s happening up here?” The Boss replied, “Get Gene up here”… and so, on Dec. 14, 2012, Gene was called to meet his Heavenly Father and get things running smoothly up there, just as he had been doing for his friends in Coeur d’Alene the past 40 years.

Gene was born in Wallace on Feb. 1, 1945, to Clayton and Florence Gunsalus. The family moved to Coeur d’Alene in the late ‘60s and Gene has resided here since.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to know Gene through those years, knew a simple man who dedicated his life to helping others. No matter the time of day or the weather outside, if you needed him, Gene was there in a moments notice and your problems were solved.

A dedicated member of the Calam Shrine, Gene was the Worshipful Master for more than eight years. Riding the famous Octocycle in the parades with the Shriners was among Gene’s most enjoyable pastimes.

Gene leaves behind Patches, his border collie who was his constant companion and faithful friend; his brother, Wayne, in Grant’s Pass, Ore.; and many friends.

Gene was a fixture at the Coeur d’Alene Dairy Queen, and he frequented his favorite law firm on Wallace Avenue, and he often proclaimed that his attorney friends were his “Dream Team.”

Goodbye, our friend. We will miss you.

A very special thanks to Dr. Paula Blanchett and the caring staff at the Post Falls Cancer Center for the professional care they gave with such kindness and love.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at the Coeur d’Alene Shrine Club, 1250 W. Lancaster Ave., Hayden. Please come and bring your favorite story of this kind man. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Coeur d’Alene Shrine Club.