February 22, 2019
On February 22, 2019, Eugene 'Gene' Hogue died of complications from dementia.
Gene was born in 1938, the fifth of seven children, to the late Jean Albert and Emma (Waelbroek) Hogue and raised on a dairy farm in Ile Des Chenes, Manitoba. The family farm and the landscape it occupied became imprinted on his memory, as did the work and the precarious nature of making a living by farming.
He studied at the College de St. Boniface (BA), the University of Manitoba (BSc, MSc), and Purdue University, where he received his PhD in horticulture in 1967. He worked as a plant physiologist for Agriculture Canada, first, at its research station in St. Jean, Quebec and, after 1977, at the Summerland Research Station. A dedicated researcher, he co-authored numerous scientific articles and pursued research that was both collaborative in its nature and practical in its intent. This work was recognized by growers' associations in BC and beyond for its contributions to the tree fruit industry. Gene's work was a lifelong commitment that extended well beyond his twenty-nine year career.
He was joined in these journeys by Marie (Alarie), his wife of fifty-four years and his children Colette (Corey Schroyen) and Michel. He struggled to come to terms with the loss of his eldest son, Jean (Cristina), but his grandson Joshua provided him with great joy.
He is survived by siblings Helene (Bernard) Trudeau, Adelina (Frank) Duchek, and Rene (Carolee) Hogue and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings Lucia (Luke) Riel, Charles (Denise) Hogue, and Raymond (Theresa) Hogue.
Prayers for the deceased will be held on Friday, March 1, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Holy Child Catholic Church, 14010 Rosedale Avenue, Summerland, BC followed by the Memorial Mass on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 11:00 am.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the caregivers and staff at Summerland Seniors Village and Dr. Bannerman for their excellent care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC, South Okanagan and Similkameen, 104-35 Backstreet Blvd., Penticton, BC V2A 1H7.
Condolences may be directed to the family through providencefuneralhomes.com 250-494-7752.
