There are many things in this world that we do not want to forget. Dates, memories, and people. People are the ones most we think about. Living or not. Most of the time when we think about the ones we have lost, it hurts or sometimes you feel lost and do not know where to turn to. I have lost many people in my life. My grandfather, aunt, cousins, and uncle. But i have not yet known was it is like to lost a husband/partner. Someone so close to you. The one that makes you get up in the morning and sleep in the same bed. The one that you will do anything from, even if that means t's something you do not like.
While cleaning the house today, I came across a wooden box of the floor. At first I did not want to open it not knowing if there was something dangerous or not in there. But something told me to open it. I lifted up the lid and found a picture of John's last partner Gene. I stared at the picture, studying the face, clothes he wore, smile, eyes. Behind the pictures were a bunch of cards. Cards from when Gene got sick/was in the hospital, and when Gene passed away. Also were the rings John and Gene wore when they were together. I started to cry. I felt very emotional. I wanted someone to hug, to cry with. I wanted to met Gene. I know that is not possible now. But i can only know Gene by the stories and pictures John has of him. I want to know what Gene was like, what he liked to do, what was is take on life, what did he support and what did he despise. What was his favorite place in the world or time of day?
I will never get to know Gene, but his story lives on through John and everyone who knew him. What i do know is this. Now i can not take credit for writing this next part. But this will give you an Idea of who Gene was.
He was born February 1, 1956, in Eugene, Oregon, to the late Edward and Mary Uttinger.
He attended St. Peter Catholic School and graduated from Marist Catholic High School in 1974. In 1977, Gene started work at Pacific Northwest Bell. Soon he moved to Seattle to continue his career. In 1982, he met and fell in love with Martin Brandt. They spent eleven years together, including the purchase of their first home and many wonderful trips and celebrations with family and friends. They were well known in Seattle's gay community. Gene and Marty remained together until Marty's death in 1993. Gene progressed in his career as he rose through the ranks of management at the phone company, maintaining his commitment to customers through upheavals in the industry. He worked in consumer, small and large business groups, agent marketing, as well as on 911 and county government accounts. Gene was well known for his knowledge about the Centrex product. At the time of his death, Gene was working as a program manager on loan to the Washington State President for Qwest Communications. During his 30 years of service to the phone company he made hundreds of friends who admired his gentle but honest personality, his well reasoned manner, his attention to detail, and his commitment to customer service and employee morale. Gene is survived by his domestic partner of 14 years, John Carroll. They met in 1993 through John's work at the Seattle Men's Chorus and their joint attendance at Dignity Roman Catholic Mass. They were together for 14 years until Gene's sudden death - a sign of Gene's unwavering commitment to love, family and friends. Together they lived in the Queen Anne, Ames Lake, and Magnolia neighborhoods. Over the years, they adopted and loved four cats and three Miniature Schnauzers. Gene was also well known among friends and family for his love of gardening and travel. Gene and John shared trips across the U.S., throughout Europe and recently several cruises through the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Alaska.
These are the rings Gene and John wore everyday while together. I know that Gene will be apart of my life now. And deep down inside we i really wish i had a chance to meet him. I often think about where i would of met him and the conversions we could of had. You are miss dearest Gene.
Princessa.
