Obituary: Eugene Baugher

He worked for a few years in local sawmills, but in 1957 joined the Air Force and served until 1961, mostly assigned to a weather base in Alaska. It was here that his fond appreciation for nature and science blossomed. Shortly after leaving the Air Force, he began his career in the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working at the Wind River and Little White Salmon Fish Hatcheries.

Growing up during the Depression and the years afterwards was not easy, but Gene did what he could to help his father put food on the table, whether it was in odd jobs or helping mountain lions at night thin of our abundant deer population.

In high school in White Salmon he met Connie Frederick, the love of his life, and they married in July 1968. Together they both became fine back country horsemen, explored the wilderness in and around Mount Adams and Indian Heaven, and it was here that Gene developed his lifelong skills at fishing, and especially hunting. Gene also developed a refined sense of humor and a love for cowboy poetry, and became quite proficient at writing humorous, rhymed verse, for the pleasure and amusement of those who sat with him around an evening campfire.

In 1991, he retired from the Fish and Wildlife Service and in retirement continued to hunt until just recently. Gene truly enjoyed working with younger hunters, teaching them how to care for firearms, and to track and shoot.

Gene has no immediate living family except for Connie, but he has a devoted number of relatives on Connie’s side and close friends who’ve loved and treasured his friendship. This was often apparent as he hunted the Glenwood hills and valley and was hailed by name from the locals who might pass him on its game trails.

Later this spring, there will be a celebration of life for Gene, to be announced. It will occur at the Kreps Ranch in Gilmer Valley. In memory of Gene, Connie asks for those inclined to give, to send a contribution in Gene’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation, in his behalf.