Small Town News
Richard J. Gentry
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CopyRichard J. Gentry passed away on Aug. 22, 2009 at the age of 91. Richard grew up in Houston and Cabool, Miss. He was the oldest of seven children and the son of Jay and Naoma Gentry. He graduated with a B.S. from Drury College and proudly served in WW II with the U.S. Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Following the war, he married Virginia Lee Johnson. After a few years in Arkansas and Southern California, Richard and Virginia moved to Susanville to open the Eagle Lake Marina, which they operated from its inception in 1962 until they retired in 1983. During these years they developed rich friendships with Susanville community members and campers alike. True to his generation, Dick was a man of integrity and practical skill. Family was his priority. He was a dutiful, loving and dependable son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Dick loved family gatherings. He relished rocking and singing to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Always industrious, he approached every task with a clear strategy and the patience to see it through. He built his own home, crafted fine furniture and marveled over interesting gadgets, inventing a few of his own.
During the marina's off-seasons, Dick and Virginia traveled to visit family and promote Eagle Lake and Lassen County at boat shows throughout the country. When their daughters were grown, Dick and Virginia enjoyed traveling to Russia, Europe, across the U.S. and to their favorite destination, Hawaii. He loved to spend time relaxing on the grounds of the Hale Koa on the Island of Oahu.
Following Virginia's death in 1996, Dick moved to Nevada City, Calif. He is survived by his second wife, Edith, who lovingly cared for him as his health failed.
He is loved and remembered by his family, including his daughters and their spouses Janalie/Tom, of San Jose, Calif.; Patricia/Will, of Fairfax, Calif.; and Barbara/Greg, of Nevada City; grandchildren Annie Henriques Blank, of San Jose and Chris Henriques, of San Jose; Tucker and Jenna DeYoung, of Nevada City, and great-grandchildren Ryan, Hailey and Elisabeth Blank, and Katie and Adam Henriques, of San Jose.
Copyright 2009 Westwood PinePress, Westwood, California. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.
© 2009 Westwood PinePress Westwood, California. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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