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Eugene Joseph Kosiancic
01/19/1936 — 09/06/2009
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Nelson, British Columbia
Eugene Joseph Kosiancic
Eugene "Gene" J. Kosiancic died peacefully on September 6, 2009 in the presence of his loving family.
He was born to Joseph and Josephine Kosiancic on January 19, 1936 in Nelson, British Columbia.
Always lifelong learner, Gene began his education in a one- room school house in Crescent Valley, B. c., graduating from Rossland High, attending Notre Dame College, Nelson, B. c., and graduating with a B. S. in Chemistry from Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. He received a Master's Degree in Nuclear Chemistry from Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI where he met and married his wife Pauleen "Dolly" Le Page; he then taught Chemistry and worked toward a PH.D in Chemistry at Purdue University.
Gene started his career at Babcock and Wilcox in Lynchburg, VA in the Nuclear Fuels Division, holding managerial positions in Research and Development and received two patents in Nuclear fuel preparation. In 1976, Gene accepted a Sr Management position with ARCO Hanford in Richland, WA. He then joined Rockwell International as a general manager in the tank farms and then as manager of Processing and Analytical Laboratories. He joined Westinghouse Hanford, and was Deputy Manager of Analytical Services until he retired in 1997.
In retirement he began a consulting firm, Kosiancic and Associates, spending much of his time in Savannah River, South Carolina and at Hanford. Although Gene was officially "retired" he continued be viewed as an advisor and assisted in developing solutions to many complex projects. Gene always seemed to work with purpose and determination and that attitude lives on in the many people that he had the pleasure to work with throughout his career.
Gene, a member of Christ the King Catholic Church, was a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a member of the American Nuclear Society and the National Management Association, and a strong supporter of many community groups such as the United Way and Catholic Family Charities. He embraced life to the fullest, enjoying his family, grandchildren, friends, travel, gardening, bridge and golf. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor. His gentle smile, great determination and joy for life will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Pauleen Dolly, son Terry, Coeur d' Alene, ID., daughter, Kathleen, Bill, Renton, WA., son Kevin Cindy, Renton, WA. Grandchildren; Brandon, Kyle, Drew, Stephanie, and Hailey who knew him as "Popi". Brother John Liz Burlington, Ontario and many nephews, nieces and special friends. .
A vigil will be held Friday, September 25th, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a. m., at Christ the King Church, 1111 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA. A reception in the church's gathering room will follow.
We would like to thank Dr. Rado, Kadlec Hospital staff, and the Hospice House, for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Tri-Cities Cancer Center, 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336/Catholic Family and Child Service, 2139 Van Giesen St., Richland, WA 99354/Hospice at the Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336.
You will always have a piece of my heart Uncle Gene. I love you tons.
Even though we can’t be with you today, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Auntie Dolly, Terry, Kathy, Kevin and families. We hold dear in our hearts the memories of Uncle Gene at all of our family gatherings – always smiling and ready to help. He embodied the true meaning of “family” and we are richer for it.
So, Dear Uncle Gene, in the words of this Irish Verse,
“May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Love, Dick & Therese & Family
Gene was my immediate manager for several years at Hanford and later we consulted together at the Vitrification Plant Project. He was always supportive and generally in agreement with improvements and technologies to make the operations more productive. I was saddened to see the notice of his passing. He will be missed by his many co-workers.
Carol and I have so many fond memories of Gene and his family having been a neighbor for 18 years and friends for over 30 years. What a wonderful positive attitude Gene had. We were fortunate to have been able to spend many hours with with Gene and many members of his family. God love you my friend.
Our family has been fortunate to live next door to Gene and Dolly the last 5 years. We’ll miss Gene’s cheeriness, the way he smiled and was genuinely happy to bump into us and shoot the breeze. In his grandfatherly way, Gene would talk with and entertain our young daughter through the fence while tending his vegetables. Whether offering a swim in his pool or a bucket of fresh tomatoes, warmth and generosity exuded from him. We’ve been blessed to have known Gene these short years.
Gene was one of the first nuclear engineering teachers I had the pleasure of learning from while a student at Michigan Tech. I first met Gene in the early 1960s and our lives crssed paths many times over the years. He was a teacher and friend.
My condolences to his wife and children. Also special thought to his brother John who was a great student and athlete at Michigan Tech.
I had the pleasure of working with Gene at SRS and Hanford. He was always gracious and kind. His expertise was always a welcome addition to any of the areas we worked on. We will all miss his kind face and gentle words
The photo of Gene on the memorial is the way I will always remember him, a ready smile and always a gentleman. We worked together both at SRS and Hanford on projects of great complexity and intense pressure. Gene never flinched, he helped the teams get to the right solutions while ensuring each team member was valued had input to the solution. He was my friend.
I had the great honor to work with Gene over the past 10 yrs. I first met him as part of his consulting activities at Savannah River site. We spent many long days and evenings together working a very challenging technical and project problem. My career then brought me to the Richland area to work on the WTP project. My first thoughts regarding the need for help and support immediately went to Gene. Over our time at Hanford, he has become much more than a colleague and fellow professional he had become a friend, coach, and mentor. I will miss him greatly.
I first met Gene through my work on the Hanford Vitrification Plant WTP in 2001. He was a consultant for the WTP Process Engineering group and later we worked closely together procuring software and services to build the Training Simulator. He carried himself well as a leader and professional bringing a kind and gentle approach to tasks and personnel. I was very saddened when I heard of his passing at Christ The King Church and will miss him.
May God grant you peace and loving memories of Gene in the days to come.
Uncle Gene was an inspiration to us all. He will live on in our hearts forever.
“Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know that are happy.”
We’ll miss Uncle Gene’s sense of humour and happy smile. Sorry we couldn’t all travel with Anne to be there with you. Our condolences to Auntie Dolly, Kathy, Terry, Kevin and the kids, and of course Papa too. Our thoughts are with you this sad day.
Lance, Ella and Thomas
Hello Dolly and family sorry we can’t attend Eugene’s memorial service as we can’t cross the border without a passport our thoughts and deepest symphony will be with you and your family on Friday.
Lawrence and Violet
My thoughts are with you all at this time.
Aunt Dolly, Terry,Kevin, Kathy: Kathy and I want to send our love and prayers at this time. We wish we could be there to honor Uncle Gene, but he is in our hearts and memories. We will always remember his loving smile, gentle demeanor and kind words. Our children were blessed to have him at their weddings and family celebrations. He was truly a great uncle and they enjoyed talking and visiting with him. I know he is smiling down on all of you right now and wants you to know he is all right. God bless you all. Love: Mike & Kathy Paoli
Dear Pauleen,
Reno and I were so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. He was a classmate of mine at Notre Dame back in 1955-56 can it really be that long ago? Reno attended N.D. the following year but he came to know Gene through the reunions that we had. I remember Gene as a caring, thoughtful, rather serious but fun-loving person who enjoyed the great times we had at Notre Dame. I know this must be a great loss for you Pauleen and for your children and grandchildren – it is also a great loss for his friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this time. May God Bless!
Love,
Reno and Marie Fabbro
Hi Dolly and family
Marlene and I will see you all on Friday. Love
Lawrence
We will miss Uncle Gene’s loving smile and wonderful zest for life. Our lives have been blessed by having him in our lives.
Dolly, Terry, Kathy, Kevin, John & Liz & families:
What a wonderful service and tribute to Gene! I enjoyed the short time we had to chat and hope that we can continue to keep in touch.
God Bless,
Sandy
Dear Auntie Dolly,
We will miss him greatly. Especially his smile, stories, and knowledge of life. We have all been blessed with such a strong family and in times like this we will all come together to comfort each other. I am thankful everyday for what god has given all of us. Both of you will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lots of Love,
Brian, Brenda, Jenna, and Vinnie
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kosiancic family. We will never forget the great times we spent together.
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Eugene Joseph Kosiancic