Alvin 'Gene' Vanhorn

Alvin “Gene” Vanhorn passed away Dec. 18, 2025, at his home in Otis Orchards, Wash., at 78 years old. He was born in Wenatchee, Wash., on Oct. 27, 1947.

Gene learned to play guitar from Ralph Alderman early in life and even played at his eighth-grade graduation. He and Ralph played in several bands with other friends and band members. They played in bars, grange halls, and private parties in Sagle, Sandpoint, Montana and Canada. The last band Gene played in was the Pack River Band.

Gene started work in area lumber mills. Eventually he worked as a log truck driver for Shorty Blood. He then bought his own self-loader log truck and went into business for himself. From there he moved to Spokane, and in 1991 he and Arlene opened Gene’s Alignments, doing truck alignments. In 1995, Gene’s son joined them, and they worked together until Gene’s death.

Gene also loved woodworking. He built many things for family and friends. Gene loved life and lived it to the fullest. If you ever met him, he was your friend for life.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene; one son, Darren Vanhorn (Belinda); stepsons, Don Huggins (Kim), J.P. Schell (Marnie), and Steve Schell; his brothers, Gary Vanhorn (Linda) and Dale Vanhorn (Kim); and sister Alice Devries (Dave); as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We will have a gathering to celebrate Gene's life in the spring and would love to have you all come. We will post the date in the paper at a later date.