A Personal Reminder

I've been looking for an obituary for my dad and found this one that a cousin wrote. Wanted to put it on my blog as a reminder since this has pretty much turned into a family scrapbook for us.

Gene Curtis Ctibor, of Hurricane, Utah, peacefully went into his Heavenly Father's arms surrounded by his loving family at the Veteran's Hospital in Salt Lake City on June 21, 2007, concluding a courageous sixteen year fight against leukemia. Gene was born to Eileen and William Ctibor in Whittier, California, on June 16, 1949, which is where he also spent his formative years. Gene was a member of the Associated Press High School National Championship Football Team. After graduation from high school, Gene immediately joined the United States Navy and, after finishing boot camp, successfully completed three months of torturous training at the Navy's Underwater Demolition Team/Sea Air Rescue School at Coronado. He was then immediately assigned to Cruiser/Destroyer Squadron Seven as a Sea Air Rescue Swimmer, trained to rescue downed pilots, and subsequently served two tours of duty in Vietnam on the United States Destroyer Pritchett, DD561. He continued his education at Fullerton Community College receiving an AA Degree in graphic arts.

Gene was fortunate to marry Marlene McBride and together raised five wonderful children and was a loving, caring father. As a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he served in many capacities over the years, including two Bishoprics. His favorite calling was when he served the Young Men.

Even though he experienced periods of time during his illness that nearly totally incapacitated him, he never ever complained. He refused to give in and, as a result, amazed people with his ability to bounce back because of his positive attitude and intense resilience for life. In the 2002 Winter Olympics, he was one of the chief officials on the slopes for the "Super G" and "Downhill" events. One week before his death he was camping at Zion National Park with his brothers, cooking and serving the food they ate. Upon his return he then played nine holes of golf. He was truly an inspiration to everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

He will be missed!

Gene is preceded in death by his mother Eileen and his brother Tom. He is survived by his beautiful wife of thirty-one years, sons Dustin, Brandon and Clint, daughters Xandra and Ashley, his wonderful mother- sons- daughters- brother- and sisters-in-law, as well as his father and two surviving brothers. In addition, Gene was extremely proud of his ten grandchildren who will carry his legacy throughout their lives.