Gene Morigeau

RONAN — On Friday, July 14, 2006, Gene Morigeau set off to rejoin his dad, mom and brother hunting and fishing in heaven or the Jocko, depending on where the fish are biting.

Gene was born April 27, 1930, in St. Ignatius to Elmer and Zelda Morigeau. Gene, his brothers Sonny and Dick and sisters Jeri and Joy grew up in the Dixon area. He graduated from Dixon High School and went to work for Pitts Lumber.

"Morigeau" married Theresa Trahan on Aug. 28, 1950, at the courthouse in Missoula. For their "reception" Gene and Theresa had dinner at the Double Front and enjoyed celebrating their anniversary (and any other special or not-so-special occasion) there every year for 55 years.

During their marriage Gene and Theresa had two sons, Ron and David. Eventually Gene and Theresa were adopted by many of their nieces, nephews and friends. Although not related by birth, their family grew — and continues to grow.

Gene worked at Plum Creek in Pablo and moved his family to Ronan. In Ronan, Gene and Theresa were part of the Ronan summer baseball program. Gene helped to build the baseball fields and move the grandstands still used today.

Gene, Theresa and their family built a cabin up in the Jocko In the '70s on land they inherited from Gene's Aunt Ann and Uncle Louie. Our family spent many summers at the cabin hunting, fishing and spending memorable time together.

Gene started working at the Kicking Horse Job Corps in 1970. During his time there, Gene allowed the Job Corps to build a camp for the students on his property in the Jocko. Gene wanted to share the enjoyment he always found in nature with others, especially young people.

Gene finished his working life with Tribal Credit in Pablo. Once Gene retired, he and Theresa were able to enjoy trips together with the Dixon Senior Citizens, family or friends.

Unfortunately, Gene's health deteriorated to where they could no longer travel as far. Gene spent his time mowing the lawn, crushing cans and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Through his great-grandson Alex, Gene was able to relive his own childhood, buying every toy Gene wished he could have had as a youngster.

Family and friends were the most important parts of Gene's life. Whether he was trying to convince his great-granddaughters that horses lay eggs, sharing a good meal with family or visiting with friends, Gene always made people smile and feel valued.

Gene will be missed by the true love of his life, Theresa; his sons and their wives (Gene's adopted daughters), Ron and Lila and David and Jeanette; his adopted daughters and their husbands, Cheri Lynn and Jim and Cyndi and Vern; grandchildren Tracy and Shane, Jennifer, Becca and Brett, Eugene and Leslie; and great-grandchildren Brianna, Claire, Alex, Jessica and Zachary. Gene is also survived by his aunts Alma Luedtke and Laura Matt and uncle Freddy Decker (Ilene); brother and sisters, Sonny (Bev), Jeri (Orville) and Joy; as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

Following Gene's wishes, he has been cremated and there will be no formal service. The family thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and visits of support during his final days.