Eugene “Gene” Bender

Gene Bender passed away peacefully on August 26, 2007 in Atascadero, California at age 79.

He was the husband of Elaine Bender of Atascadero; father of Debra Freltas of Wheatland, Wyoming and David (Sandi) Bender of Bellevue, Washington. He is survived by his grandchildren: Nicolette, Darren and Rhys Freltas of Mariposa, California and Elizabeth and Erik Bender of Bellevue, Washington; and brother Bill Bender of Australia. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Bender.

Gene graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a BSME in 1950. His professional career spanned 30+ years as a Registered Professional Engineer with TRW/Redondo Beach, California and as a project engineer, project manager and operations manger.

He was a former resident of Huntington Harbor, California and Lopez Island Washington. He was avid yachtsman and powerboat enthusiast and cruised the entire Pacific coast from Baja to Canada. He was a 28-year member of the American Power Boat Association and the Unlimited Lights Racing Association. Along with son, David, Gene owned and raced high performance hydroplanes of several different classes.

Gene and his fellow members of the Wines and Steins of Atascadero never passed up an opportunity to enjoy fun times together. He was also a member of the Atascadero Elks Lodge and a member of the Lutheran Church of the San Juan Islands.

At Gene’s request, his cremated remains will be scattered off the coast of Lopez Island, Washington in a private family ceremony. Donations in Gene’s remembrance may be directed to: The University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0422, with the designation Mechanical Engineering Department (0121123) in memory of Eugene C. Bender.