Eugene (Gene) Leroy Fischbach died peacefully at his home in Mesa, Ariz., on June 2, 2012, at the age of 88. Gene was born Dec. 17, 1923, in Coeur d’Alene, the son of Emil and Leona Eleanor Ross Fischbach.

After graduating from high school in 1941, Gene served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Lubbock as an electrician specializing in the Gyro Compass. This ship was part of the first wave that took Marines to Iwo Jima.

Gene married Elouise Tinney on Sept. 24, 1946, and they moved to Spokane. He was an extremely talented musician and played the saxophone professionally in local bands (The Noteables; The Don Eagle Quartet) in various lounges (The Ridpath Hotel) and supper clubs.

Gene moved his family to Tempe, Ariz., in 1964, where he was an insurance agent. After retirement in 1984, Gene and Elouise moved to San Carlos (Guaymas), Mexico. He was preceded in death by Elouise in 1992. He lived in Mesa in the winters and then Spokane in the summers. His musical talent was used all of his life, as he shared his music in many bands and jazz groups.

Gene was a loving and devoted family man who kept his family together and happy. His sense of humor and wit were felt by those around him. Gene was passionate about staying current with the technology of the times.

Gene is survived by Beverly Hale, his loving companion of 12 years, and his daughters, Karen Collins (son-in-law Vince) of Spokane, Cathy Merrill of Mesa, Vicki Sonners (son-in-law Scott) of Vancouver, Wash., and Debbie Scott (son-in-law Michael) of Montrose, Calif.; and his 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at Wandermere Golf Course, 13700 N. Wandermere Road, Spokane.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene’s memory can be sent to Hospice of the Valley, 777 W. Southern Ave., Suite 301, Mesa, AZ 85210.