Gene Davies Lilley

Gene Davies Lilley "Mr. Gene" "Papa" 82, of Everett. WA died in ICU at Providence Hospital on Feb. 9th from injuries sustained in a fall at home.

Gene was born in Bellingham, WA January 8, 1943 to Ella May and Elmer Lilley.

He graduated from Everett High School in 1961 and was a member of the 1961 All State football team. He went on to play football at WSU, until the death of his father when he returned home. Although he did not return to college, Gene was always learning; he loved to understand the "why" of things. He had a quiet critical thinking nature, which came out in his dry wit and humor.

He spent his career in construction management primarily with Cobra Construction. One of his many projects was managing the move of the Weyerhaeuser office building by barge to the Everett waterfront. From his experience in construction, he passed to his children that they should always "work hard and wear a red shirt."

He "retired" early in the 1990s, giving him the opportunity to pursue his interest in photography. He also took up yoga and spin classes, enjoyed cross-country skiing and hiking. He kept busy remodeling and updating the home he shared with his wife of 40 years, "Mrs. Jean".

Gene loved becoming "Papa" when his granddaughter was born and was heartbroken when she was moved to Minnesota at age 5. They remained close despite the distance and he recovered from heart surgery in order to travel to see her get married in 2019. He also loved being a "cat dad". Many cats lived long and plush lives in his care. He was truly a kind and caring man, and he expressed that care with action.

Mr. Gene was active in his Seahurst neighborhood, overseeing renovation of the historic pump house to make it safer for pedestrians, and hosting, with Mrs. Jean, the annual Easter event for all the neighbors in their front yard.

Gene is survived by his wife Jean Lilley, sister Edith McBride, daughter Kathleen Lilley (Rob), son David Lilley (Karen), grandchildren Victoria Ruckle (Nate) and Vincent Hickenbottom,

nieces Patricia Feldman and Tamara McCoy (Michael), stepdaughter Diane Reimers (Dean) and great-grandsons Louis and Simon Born.

He was preceded in death by brother-in-law Dick McBride, nephew Rick McBride, stepson Ron Gillam and stepdaughter Tamara Wells.

A celebration of life for Gene will be held Monday, March 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Evergreen Funeral Home, 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203.