No headline

Gene D. Ratcliff, MD, 79

Gene was born in Pine Bluff, Ark., to LaVerne and Margueritte Ratcliff on March 13, 1937. He died at home in Hayden, Idaho, following a short cancer illness on March 1, 2017, surrounded by loved ones.

Gene’s family moved to Gulf Shores, Ala., when he was young. He attended school in Foley, Ala., graduating from Foley High School in 1955. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in science. He married Sylvia Carter in 1960 and they were later divorced.

Gene’s medical training was at Tulane University in New Orleans and he served an internship at Charity Hospital also in New Orleans. While in New Orleans, two daughters were born, Diana (1962) and Shannon (1965). Gene was drafted into the Air Force and was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho, for two years. It was this stint in the Air Force that developed in Gene his lifelong love of Idaho. While in Mountain Home, a third

child was born, John (1967).

Gene returned to the South for a year of training in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Florida. He was board certified in both fields, as well in internal medicine. Gene and his family returned to Idaho when he became part of the Clinic of Internal Medicine in Pocatello, Idaho. He later left the clinic for private practice and was then recruited to Idaho State University’s student health center as director. While in that position he was part of the team that began the Family Practice Residency Program, also in Pocatello. He left student health to work full time on the residency faculty from which

he retired in 2001.

In 1998, Gene married Judy Moyer. When they retired, Gene and Judy relocated to Hayden, Idaho. After moving, Gene was on contract with the Department of Health and Welfare to serve as the medical consultant for Development Disabilities. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for several years, serving on the board of directors.

Gene had many hobbies over the years including downhill and telemark skiing, especially loving the moguls. He also enjoyed white water kayaking, boating on many waters on the Snake, Selway, Salmon and Payette Rivers. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, bicycling, making gumbo and drinking a glass of wine at the end of the day.

Gene and Judy had many wonderful adventures together including trips to Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico, Hawaii, Alabama and New York. An especially enjoyable trip was a bike and barge trip with many friends through Holland and Germany. The best shared adventure however was the birth of our only grandchild, Dawn-Rose Ratcliff, on May 3, 2001. She was an integral part of our lives from the first. As she got older, she traveled

with us to many places.

Gene is survived by his wife, Judy; his granddaughter, Dawn-Rose; his daughter. Shannon (Walter Adam) who are organic farmers in upstate New York; his son, John (Pocatello); his sisters, Pat (and Chuck in Tennessee) and Kay (Florida); and his brother, Shane (and Peggy, Alabama). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Moyer; friends too numerous to count and our Island Park Family. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Diana.

The best tribute to Gene was written hours after his passing by our granddaughter, Dawn-Rose. It reads: “Rest in peace to one of the best people I’ve ever known. My grandfather has always been here for me in my times of need and I was here for him in his. It hurts to lose him, but I know he’s not in pain anymore and he was with all his loved ones. I couldn’t have asked for a better grandfather and I’m grateful for the time I’ve been able to spend with him and all the fun we’ve had. I love you Opa, I always have and always will.”

The family wishes to thank all our friends and all the health care providers who took such good care of us all. Special thanks goes to Dr. Bob McFarland, an excellent physician and caring friend.

There will be no services at this time, but rather at a later date.

Those wishing to make donations in Gene’s name may do so to either the residency program in Pocatello or the residency program in Coeur d’Alene. These programs both held special places in Gene’s heart.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Gene’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.