Gene Denham
Mar 22, 1938 - Oct 18, 2015
Resident of Clayton
Gene Denham passed away peacefully on October 18, 2015. He was the greatest Father and Husband that anyone could wish for. He lived every day of his life right up to the end for these two women, his loving wife JoAnn Denham of 54 years and loving daughter Tracy Denham. Gene put his family first and lived in honor and dedication to those he loved. He leaves behind many loyal friends, family and associates.
Gene graduated from Oakland High School in 1956 then went on to study Architecture at UC Berkeley. After attending college at UC Berkeley, he was then drafted into the US Army in 1959 where he served his military obligation in Korea. He met JoAnn Magnuson while attending UC Berkeley and married in 1961 after returning from serving his country. After his service in Korea, Gene continued to advance in the steel industry. He established Gene Denham Associates in 1973, a steel construction & consulting business. He worked as a highly respected consultant in the industry for the last 50 years. Thank you to all his good friends and colleges in the industry. Among Gene's many talents, being a creative writer and published cartoonist was one of his fondest achievements.
Gene's heart really belonged to the ocean where he spent most his life at his favorite home in Mendocino contemplating the ocean overlooking Point Cabrillo lighthouse. With jazz in the background and a glass of Navarro wine in one hand and JoAnn's hand in the other, family and friends surrounded him in joy and laughter. His humor was contagious and will never be forgotten. Gene lived his life on his own terms and that is his greatest accomplishment. Gene will be deeply missed by all.
"To the world you may be just one person, but to another person you might be the world". Thank you Dad...I love you.
It was Gene's wishes for no services as his ashes will be scattered in the ocean next to his beloved Point Cabrillo lighthouse on the Mendocino Coast in a private ceremony.
Donations in Gene Denham's memory can be made to: Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association (PCLK) P.O. Box 641, Mendocino, CA 95460
