Johnnie 'Gene' Bolin

Gene Bolin, 76, passed away Feb. 15, 2025, in Yuma, Ariz.  

If you ever bought an appliance in Moses Lake in the '70s or '80s, chances are you met Gene Bolin. And if you met Gene, you likely walked away with a new fridge and a new friend. Gene had a way of connecting with people — his charm, quick wit and genuine kindness made an impression that lasted a lifetime. 

Gene was born Dec. 17, 1948, in Yakima, Wash., to “Red” and Ruth Bolin. He grew up alongside his siblings, Jim and Jo Evelyn, who have both passed. He graduated from Toppenish High School in 1967 and, like many hardworking men of his generation, started out in labor jobs, including building dams in Washington and Idaho. But his true career was in sales — first with Sears, where he spent over 20 years, and later in heating and air conditioning (HVAC) sales in both Moses Lake, Wash.,and Eugene, Ore. He had a knack for making customers feel like family, and he took great pride in helping others. 

The greatest sale of his life? Convincing Cheryl, the love of his life, that they were meant to be. Gene met Cheryl on Christmas Eve in 1970 in Lewiston, Idaho, and it didn’t take long for him to declare that he was going to marry her. And on July 10, 1971, he made good on that promise. Together, they built a life full of love and adventure, raising three children, Ron Bolin (Toni), JoAnne Roberts and Theresa Adkinson (Kurt). Their love story continued to grow through the years, and their family grew with it, nine grandchildren (Jacob, Ronie Jo, Alicia, Lyndsey, Cody, Trevor, Macy, Mia and Tyson) and 14 great-grandchildren who adored their Grandpa Gene. 

Gene was never one to sit still. He had a vegetable garden that could make anyone envious, and he was happiest with a fishing pole in hand, whether on the lake, river, or ocean, chasing the next big catch. Hunting, crabbing and gardening, he embodied the spirit of a true hunter and gatherer, always eager to share his bounty with friends and family. He and Cheryl spent years exploring Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona in their RV, making lifelong friends and memories along the way. 

But if you ask anyone what Gene was most proud of, the answer was always his family. He was the rock everyone leaned on, the guiding voice in major life decisions, and the best storyteller around. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work, kindness and giving more than you receive. 

Gene leaves behind a lifetime of love, lessons, and adventures. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten — his stories, his wisdom and his larger-than-life heart will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

His family encourages you to honor Gene’s memory by enjoying a good meal with loved ones, planting something in your garden, or casting a fishing line into the water — just the way he would have wanted.