GENE JAMES TERUYA of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved husband of the late Faye Helen Teruya, passed away after a lengthy illness on April 17, 2010, at the age of 73 years.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Jeff); grandson, Colten Wickenheiser; brother, Gary; sisters, Gail Newell (Jim) and Pat Mead (Earl), both of Ontario; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Gene was predeceased by his oldest brother, Bob.

Gene was born in Coaldale, Alberta, on July 21, 1936, and received his education at Hardieville School and LCI. After school, he worked in construction for a while, but soon found his way into his true calling: auto mechanics. He apprenticed through Frank Aiken and eventually went on to employment at College Mercury where he worked his way up from mechanic to shop foreman and finally service manager. Tired of pushing papers, he struck out on his own and established Gene's Auto Repair Depot, Ltd. (G.A.R.D.) where he had a loyal following.

Gene was a quiet steady force in everyone's lives. He didn't say much, but he never had to. He would always just be there waiting if you needed him. Gene had a wicked, dry sense of humour, and sometimes the only way you could tell he was joking was by the glint in his eye and the little smirk that he couldn't quite hide. The highlight of his life was the birth of his grandson, Colten Wickenheiser. The sun rose and set on his ""little man."" While always a fisherman, Dr. Frank Christie introduced Dad to fly fishing, and his most cherished memories were those spent in the company of Dr. Christie out on the Crowsnest River.

In addition to some other health issues, Dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons' Disease in 1999. He managed to maintain some mobility and independence through medication, the Bridges program and the day-to-day care and support of his wife, Faye. After her passing on September 17, 2009, Gene's condition took an abrupt downturn and he impatiently waited for the day he could be reunited with the love of his life.

A Funeral Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at MARTIN BROS. FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, with Reverend Lois Punton officiating. A reception will follow in celebration of Gene's life at the Martin Bros. Riverview Reception Centre.

Thank you to the staff at Bridges. Dad missed the staff and attendees immensely. To Kevin Wickenheiser, who became the son that Dad always wanted. And to Dr. Roland Ikuta, who always treated Dad and our family with respect and compassion and went above and beyond what was expected or required, everything you did was appreciated and will be remembered.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Bridges, c/o Lethbridge Centre Mall, 200 4 Avenue S, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4C9.