Gene Newcomb, Sitkan Since 1998, Dies at 88
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- Created on Friday, 03 January 2025 15:00
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Darrell Eugene “Gene” Newcomb
Darrell Eugene “Gene” Newcomb passed away on November 5, 2024, at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, with his wife of 53 years by his side. Carole had broken her hip and they were sharing a hospital room so were together as they always wished to be.
Gene was born June 26, 1936, in Ferndale, Michigan, to Aaron and Wanda (Browning) Newcomb. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard, traveling to the South Pacific area at the end of the Korean War. He had many fond memories and stories of escapades in Samoa and Hawaii – and several tattoos!
Gene was employed as a heavy machinery mechanic throughout the U.S., in Wyoming, Washington, Alaska, California, Kentucky and Colorado. He retired from the State of Alaska Department of Transportation in 1998 and he and Carole moved to Sitka, where they embarked on a new career making custom fishing rods and repairing reels. Gene’s Custom Fishing Rods quickly became a fixture on many fishing charter boats in the region. He continued this ‘‘hobby’’ until his passing at age 88.
While living in Centralia, Washington, Gene met and married the love of his life, Carole (Lambert) O’Connor, taking on the role of father to her three children. It was a challenge, but one he took on willingly and performed in exemplary manner.
Gene was predeceased by his parents, Aaron and Wanda Newcomb; his sister, Kathryn; his son, Tom O’Connor; and great-grandson Travis Kennedy.
He was survived by his wife, Carole; his daughter, Karen Takao (Wally) of Fairbanks; daughter, Lorinda (Scot) Baalman of Las Vegas, Nevada; and son, Rodger O’Connor (Heidi) of LaCenter, Washington.
His six grandchildren are Lucas (Kelly) Takao, Lani (Derick) Auelua, Dustin (Shannon) Takao, Shannon (Alex) Sluyter, Nathan O’Connor and Austin Timpe.
He also is survived by five great-grandkids: Erin Kennedy, Bianca Takao, Vinny Takao, Jasmine Auelua and Dominic Takao. He loved and was loved by them all.
In addition to his family, Gene was blessed with some wonderful friends, including Jan and Morrie Folsom and Tad Kisaka.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support at this difficult time,” her family said.
Carole has moved to the Vancouver, Washington, area to be closer to family. Condolences can be sent to her at The Inn at University Village, 2723 NE 134th St, #318, Vancouver, WA 98686.
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20 YEARS AGO
February 2005
Photo caption: S&S General Contractors crew bury conduit along Sawmill Creek Road as part of a sewer line project. They’ve been working only at night, using portable lights to direct traffic. Sitkans living between Shotgun Alley and Indian River Road are asked not to use drains or toilets Thursday as pump stations will be turned off.
50 YEARS AGO
February 1975
Photo caption: Five players selected for the first All Tournament team in the American Legion Southeast Alaska Basketball Tournament hold their trophies. From left are Jeff Klanott, Klukwan ANB; Rick Ludigsen, Ketchikan Webber Air; Al Kookesh, Angoon ANB; Terry Friske, Klukwan ANB; and Mike Erickson, Ketchikan Webber Air.
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