EUGENE FREDERIC (JEEP) MECHLER

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EUGENE FREDERIC (JEEP) MECHLER It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gene Mechler on September 2, 2007 at the age of 87. Gene will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Ruth; his son Alan (Debbie); granddaughter Devon; grandson Greg; sister-in-law Doris Grant, many nieces and nephews and countless friends and acquaintances. Gene was born October 21, 1919 in Winnipeg and raised in Brandon. At the age of 17, he moved to Winnipeg and lived with his Auntie Marge in the city's West-End. It was here that he met Ruth Henry, the woman he would eventually marry. When the Second World War broke out in Europe, Gene didn't hesitate. He enlisted in the army and joined the XII Manitoba Dragoons. While stationed in London, he was severely injured by a bomb blast that resulted in a fractured skull and an almost total loss of memory. Most of his memory would never return but, of the few memories that he did retain, Ruth was one of them. After his rehabilitation, he returned to Winnipeg and married Ruth on August 16, 1947. He worked for auto parts distributor J. A. Keddy Company until 1965 and then Fogg Bros. until his retirement in 1979. After retirement, Gene got to spend more time doing the thing he loved the most playing golf. A member of the Breezy Bend Country Club for over 30 years, it was not unusual for Gene to play 18 or 36 holes six days a week. He loved everything about golf: the game, the people, helping out in the pro shop. If it had anything to do with golf, he enjoyed it. He and Ruth spent much of their retirement together on the course; at Breezy Bend, in Texas during winter vacations and even on golfing holidays in Europe. Despite the obstacles that he had to overcome as a result of his war injuries, Gene lived a long, happy and productive life full of family, fairways, holidays in distant lands and meticulously maintained, spotlessly clean cars. The family would like to thank the staff of the Charleswood Care Centre for the tender care that they gave Gene in his final year. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Grace Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 8 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Rest in peace, Dad. We'll miss you. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY www.thomsoninthepark.com 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2007