Condolence: Oh, Carol, I am SO SORRY to read about Gene's passing. I just went online to see if I could locate you guys, just to keep in touch. I did not know I would find this sad news. I just don't know what to say. He was a really good guy, and I am so honored to have known him. I hope you are taking care of yourself. Drop me a line or call me at 253-359-3875 any time you need to talk to someone in the midde of the night. I'm always up very late. HUGS!!

Condolence: Dear Carol and family, Thinking of you and remembering the good times at Mom & Dads when you & Gene would come over to visit. Hugs to all, Daryla

Condolence: My name is Mary Anne Rash and my dad, Sam Rash was a buddy of your dad's from the Navy. Sadly my dad passed Sept 3, 1991. I remember that Gene called my mom and spoke of how my dad had had a big influence on his life at one point. Never knew how just that he did. Some years later I was able to locate Chuck Heacox and Pat Malone who also flew with my dad. I also was able to acquire your Dad's email from the Van 35 website and sent him an email. Your dad emailed me back and was so very gracious.



I was so sorry to get your email telling of your dad's passing. Sadly it seems an end of an era. I have no doubt that Gene and my dad are in heaven telling the best sea stories ever!! When I get to heaven I'm going to ask them to start over as I don't want to miss anything.



My Dad was a big Civil War buff. We spent many a summer wandering around battlefields. Here is a little sea story of my own. In Petersburg VA there is a old (very old) church called Blanford Church. The Daughters of the Confederacy restored the church as a memorial to the war dead. All the confederate states donated a stained glass window by Tiffany and Co. The state of TN had an inscription on theirs. "To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is never to die". I have found this to be so true and a comfort to me. My dad has been gone 21 years now, I think of him often. A friend once told me, the death of a loved one is something you don't "get over", you just learn to live with it. I believe this to be a truth also.



Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I will let my mom know of Gene's passing. She has Alzheimer's now but her long term memory is still pretty intact.



With sympathy and prayers,



Mary Anne Rash

Condolence: I met Carol just about 10 years ago and Gene not to long after. They have been good friends and Gene was a always such the gentleman. Carol and family our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence: Gene was like a second father to me. Picked me up at 3 months old and stole my heart forever. He was my dads closest friend and the tales they could tell over and over and you never got tired of hearing them. A gentle soul who raised 5 boys to bcome great men. My brothers from another mother he always said. You will be missed by so many people. So many lives you touched in your kind and gentle way. Rest in peace Gene. You will always live in our hearts. I'm a greater person for having known you and been apart of your life.
My love to Carol and the boys always.
Jackie and Don Waters

Condolence: To Carol & Family. Anne & I are sorry for your loss. Our hearts, prayers and love go out to you.

I was privileged to serve with Gene in the Navy. We
were stationed together in NAMTRADETS at NAS Alameda. We became shipmates and close friends. I still have fond memories of the times we spent camping and hunting together.

I believe you can tell a lot about a person's integrity by the way they interact with other people. Gene was an extraordinary man with lots of character. He treated everyone with respect and kindness. He made us laugh. People always spoke so highly of him and the earth has lost a wonderful soul. I know that a man like Gene is seated in a heavenly place with his ears turning red from all the awesome things people are saying about him!

Condolence: To Gene’s entire family, please accept my sincere condolences.

Gene Poole was my Mentor, Shipmate and Friend! We were among the first 3rd crewmen to be assigned to VAH-13, at Whidbey Island Washington. I remember that Gene was a little older and clearly, more talented than most of the other crewman (especially me). For some reason, he took me under his wing and attempted to train me to meet his high professional standards. Not only did he teach me the discipline of air navigation, but the need to become a better man. He pointed out areas that I could/should improve upon and insisted that I make a strong personal commitment to all future endeavors. His positive involvement in my life was instrumental in any success I enjoyed throughout my career. I have much to thank Gene for, but most of all; I thank him for being my friend!

Warm Regards,

Billy C. Sanders

MCPON (RET) USN

Condolence: Goodbye Master Chief. They sure don't make them like they used to. It was always a pleasure to swap sea stories with you while drinking some Old No.7. Thank you for welcoming my family into yours. You will be sorely missed. May the Good Lord bless you and your family. We wish you fair winds and following seas. LOVE