Gene Abair

In loving memory of Gene Edward Abair, age 83, (January 4, 1941 – January 12, 2024) passed away at the home of his daughter and son-in-law Paula and Tracy Jones in Clinton, Utah. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gene was born on January 4, 1941, in Rutland, Vermont, and was the son to Paul Abair and Elza (Abair) McCarthy Fenton. He lived in Florida for part of his childhood, eventually moving back to Vermont, and then onto California.

He served his country as a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corp from 1958 – 1962, He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, San Diego, and Hawaii. Upon his discharge from military service, he returned to San Diego, CA, where he was recruited by the San Diego Chargers, playing defensive end. However, his football career was cut short by a disabling knee injury. When this career ended, he turned his sights to the automobile industry.

Gene loved motor racing, and in his younger years was involved in Midget car racing. He also told the best jokes. He started his career as a car salesman, moved up to a service advisor and then retired as the General Manager of Lou Thompson Cadillac in Denver, CO. While living in Denver, Gene became an avid Denver Broncos fan and rarely missed a game. Gene also met and married his soul mate, Sharon, his wife of 38 years.

Gene and Sharon, tired of city life decided to sell everything and moved to Bend, OR. They owned and operated the Bug Doctor, a Volkswagen restoration and Repair Company, and a pellet stove business. They spent every weekend camping, hunting and particularly fishing, which they both dearly loved. Eventually, they moved to Bullhead City and then Fort Mohave, AZ, where they did a lot of off-roading and exploring of the desert with friends. They were active in their community and church.

Throughout his life, Gene was known for his hard work and dedication to his friends and family. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather. Gene loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the Needles Christian Church and served in various church positions throughout the later years of his life.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Sharon Abair, and his children and their spouses, Paula (Tracy) Jones, and Jason (Shannon) Abair, Marcia Turner, Jeanne (Marty) Kardanis, and Linda Cooley. His nephew, Kennth Ried, half-sister Shirley Noonan-Chafee and half-brother Jack Noonan. He also leaves behind his many grandchildren, Chance and Gage Jones, Breanna (Uriel) Garcia, Ashley Abair, Rebekah Abair, Katie Grillo, Jeff (Jenn) Turner, Chris (Amanda) Turner, Stacy (Cory) Miller, Melissa (Andrew) Catlett, Callie (Jonathon) Frey and Ryan Bonney, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Paula Reid, half-sister Kathlene Fenton, and great-grandchildren Axel Jon Ward and Olivia Garcia.

Gene leaves a void in all of our hearts, and he will be deeply missed. He did not want funeral services but asked that his family and friends celebrate a life well-lived and carry forward the lessons of love and dedication that he bestowed upon us.