Eugene C. Hogue

Former Bonners Ferry resident Eugene C. Hogue passed away Thursday, June 5, 2008, after 89 long, healthy years.

Gene said good-bye to his family and friends for 'the real journey.' God welcomed our father, grandfather, brother and friend to His kingdom just as He promised.

The family couldn't be happier for his new home, but selfishly, we will miss his pottery-making, joke-telling, bee-keeping, flower-tending, novel-reading, bird-watching, huckleberry-picking, party-going and cookie-devouring self.

Gene was born March 1, 1919, in Missoula, Mont., to Emma Elizabeth Ritchey Hogue and Walter Lewis Hogue.

His family moved to Oregon and Idaho, including Bonners Ferry and Naples, which Gene called home in his youth. He attended Bonners Ferry High School from 1934 to1938, which is where he met his wife, Helen Axie Hilliard.

After graduation, Gene spent two years in the Civilian Conser-vation Corps in Chatcolet. He then worked construction at Geiger Field.

Gene's work took him to Alaska, where he continued to work construction. He was in Attu, Alaska, when he received his draft notice.

Gene and Helen married Nov. 15, 1943, and honeymooned at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Wash.

After buying their first home in Spokane, Gene was summoned by the Navy. He began his duty on May 31, 1944. His service took him to California and then to the Naval Ship USS Saugatuck, which traveled to the Philippines and Japan.

Gene's Naval career ended in 1946, and he began working as a cement contractor in the greater Spokane area.

In 1955, they moved to their second home in Spokane, which remains the family's home today.

Since the 1960s, Gene was a volunteer auxiliary policeman and firefighter, and fire commissioner for Spokane County District No. 6.

Gene retired from his contracting business in 1995 at age 76. He then began his next venture with 'Hogue's Pottery,' a hobby and small business that he ran with heart-felt pride and relentless ambition until two years ago.

Gene loved to chat with customers about projects they were creating using his artwork.

Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Helen; children Linda Queen and her husband, Phil, of Spokane, Susan Smith and her husband, Galen, of Louisville, Colo., Terri Huerta and her husband, Al, of Highland, Calif., Christine Phelps and her husband, Duke, of Gilbert, Ariz., Gene Hogue Jr., Steve Hogue and Mike Hogue and his wife, Terri, of Spokane; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brothers Jim, Cliff and Howard Hogue.

Visitation will be 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home at 2203 N. Division, Spokane, with a vigil service to follow at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 13, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 545 E. Providence Ave., Spokane.

Entombment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N. Wall, Spokane.

Family wishes to thank the staff at Hospice House for creating a peaceful and comfortable place for him to rest in his final days.

Memorials may be made to St. Francis Xavier Church or a charity of one's choice.

The online memorial book can be found at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.