Gene Hartill

January 24, 1953 – November 14, 2021

On Sunday, November 14th, 2021 at Providence Hospital in Portland, Oregon, Gene Arthur Hartill passed away at the age of 68.

Gene was born on January 24th, 1953 in Morrow County. He was a jack of many trades including working as a ranch foreman, driving semi-trucks, and woodworking.

He had a strong love for animals. The joy he felt when caring for each new cat or critter was only surpassed by the care they received from him. His backyard cats held a special place in his big heart.

Passing the time watching sports was a favorite of Gene’s. All were welcome to join the fun, but those closest to him knew that the commercial breaks were the time for unrelated commentary. NASCAR racing and football of all levels were his top picks.

While Gene was not one to consider his work to be art, the creativity and talent he exhibited in his woodworking could not be described as anything less. He could take a plain chunk of wood and turn it into a beautiful piece to display, whether it be a log lamp, furniture, or a frame.

He enjoyed reading and journaling. In his last months on this earth, he wrote about his love for his wife and family.

Nothing was more important to Gene than spending time with the love of his life, his wife Carol, in their home. They enjoyed years of adventure and laughter, and shared a love that will last even through this trying but ultimately temporary separation of their hearts. Gene loved receiving calls and visits from his children and grandchildren. It brought him great joy and laughter hearing about their lives and providing guidance when they asked for his advice.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carol, his sons Jesse (Laurie) Hartill, Toby (Kathryn (Casey)) Hartill, Jacob (Teja) Hartill, and daughter Heather Klinzing, 11 grandchildren, and one very special great-granddaughter. He leaves behind his sisters Kelly Couran, Katie (Dan) Cornell, Rose Lanz, Margie (Brian) Hopkins, and brother Scott (Anna) Hartill and nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind sister-in-law Tina (Rick) Flowers, niece Chelsea Flowers, and nephew Shawn Flowers. He leaves behind close friends Monty Myrvik and Shelly Foley. He is predeceased by his parents Walter and Anna Hartill, brother Gary Hartill, and sister Holly Hartill.

A Celebration of Life will be held early next year to honor Gene.