Eugene Hunter Gilchrist: "Gene" was born on April 26, 1929. He was the 6th son of 7 boys born to Isabella May and John Spence Gilchrist on the family farm four miles east of Foam Lake, Sask. From his earliest days he was smiling, cheerful and kind with a talent for both mischief and hard work. People always noted his sparkling eyes and his fondness for puns. Gene was athletic. While in high school, Gene started the Wadena Wild Cats hockey team and the name still holds for the team today. While he trained to be a teacher at "Normal School" in Saskatoon his summer job was to play baseball– as a left-handed pitcher–for the Saints, Cubs and Gems. That was where he had the chance to teach Gordie Howe to play baseball to get Gordie in shape for hockey in the winter. Gene won the Saskatchewan men's open one mile run in 1952. All his life, Gene was focused on what was best for kids. For one year he taught in a one-room schoolhouse at Tiger Lily School. He moved on to teaching Wadena Elementary School grade 4 & 5 and Phys-Ed to all grades. In Wadena he met Marion Eadie who had come to work at the Bank of Commerce and together they ran the Saturday night Kinsmen dances for high school kids including calling for the square dance club he started. He worked at the Regina Corrections Boys' School for almost 2 years keeping them busy with after school activities and sports. On June 20th 1953 Gene and Marion were married. Gene spent much of his life in the service of others. He took Social Work at the University of Manitoba in 1954 and then worked a heavy caseload for seven years at Regina Regional Social Services in Family Services. While in Regina, he also played fast ball with the prestigious Barker's team and curled in bonspiels that went all night. Gene was transferred to Prince Albert Social Services to be Supervisor in 1962. In addition to managing others, as part of his duties he travelled by bush pilot planes into the north as far as Uranium City. In 1967 he transferred again to Swift Current, Sask. Where he became the Regional Director for social services for the Southwest Region. While in Swift Current he started the Saskatchewan Foster Parents Association that continues to support families to this day. In all, he spent 35 years in service to others. Nevertheless, Gene always found time for his family. Much time was spent at the family cabin he built at Crooked Lake in the summers. He coached his kids in ball and hockey, went camping as their scout leader, taught them to ride motorcycle and attended most of their games and music or drama performances. All his life he curled; whenever he could find a bonspiel, playoff or just for fun. His team won many trophies and played in the provincial Briar. He convinced the Swift Current club to allow the curling stick so he and others could continue to curl as they got older. He also loved golf, especially with his brothers. He made many friends curling and golfing. Gene retired in 1984. In 2010 Gene and Marion moved to Medicine Hat Alberta to be near family as Gene's health was failing. In 2014 he entered Masterpiece Senior Care Home. Ravaged by Alzheimer's he was still known as "smiley Gene" and continued to enjoy dancing as long as his legs would allow. Gene passed away on Oct 16, 2016. Gene is survived by his loving wife Marion of 63 years; their four children: Donna (Steven) Lindskog, Bonnie (Ken) Spruyt, Grant Gilchrist (Laura Stewart), and David Gilchrist; their 7 grandchildren: Jeffrey (Leah) Lindskog, Barbara Lindskog (Adam Kurtz), Paul Gilchrist, Kelsey Gilchrist, and Jade, Jenna and Logan Spruyt. There are 2 great-grandchildren: Sarah and Emily Lindskog. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Nan Gilchrist and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Michele Gilchrist, 6 brothers and 4 sisters-in-law: Alexander (Penny), Donald (Grace), Hugh, Glen (Audrey), Neil (Laura) and Bruce. The funeral service celebrating Gene's life will held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Church, 223-3 Avenue N.E., Swift Current, SK., with the interment in the Memory Gardens Cemetery and a lunch to follow at St. Stephen's Anglican hall, 108-2 Avenue N.E. Swift Current, SK. Warren's Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members in our book of condolences.