I grew up with Gene. We went through childhood and entered adulthood together as best friends. I am so proud and grateful that I was able to be part of Genes life. When I pass I can only hope that I have the love and respect that Gene had from everybody that met and knew him. Though separated by time and distance for quite some time now, Gene and Linda have never left my heart, my thoughts and prayers. All it takes is for a certain song (of which there are many) to come on the radio when Off I go in thought of Gene and things we did or were doing when listening to these songs. Before Gene's health started to get bad, always went on a fishing trip to Canada. He tried for a few years to get me to go. One year I finally got to go. After that trip I don't think he went many more times. I am so grateful that we got to fish together one last time, I will cherish those memories forever. I am sure he is already picking out a good fishing spot for when I see him again. Anybody who is reading this can probably tell Gene was a big part of my life, but I would like to say this; when Gene first met Linda and eventually married her, she accepted us and tolerated us knuckleheads. She knew we were good guys. She was back then and is now Gene's rock. In a lot of ways she is mine too. For this I will always be thankful and love Linda. As I bid farewell to my friend, I see a lot of Gene in his two sons. They should never get tired of hearing that and should be very proud that people say that. Gene Gorbet, the best friend anybody could ask for. He is someone who I have and will always look up to. May he watch over us all.
