Elroy Gene Novotney

Our family lost a wonderful man on February 4, 2016. Elroy Gene Novotney was born June 15, 1929, in Wilbur, Washington, to James and Marie Novotney.

He was their youngest son out of 14 children. Gene grew up in the Keller Ferry area where his dad and then some of his brothers spent many years driving the Martha S. He graduated from Wilbur High School in 1947. From there he spent some time in the Marines. He worked for Glen and Swanee Whitelaw at their sheep camp in Swawilla Basin where he met Evajane Burlene Lynn. They were married in Wilbur on April 10, 1960. They made their home in Keller, Washington, and were blessed with two children: Josie Lynn (Lance) Van Wyk and Jerry Gene (Linda) Novotney.

Gene had a very successful career in logging, working for many years with his brothers, Bob and Don, and then later with his son and son-in-law. Gene logged with many people over the years and made a lot of good memories doing something he loved. He also loved children and could always be found at gatherings playing games or telling stories to the young ones. This is how the story of Sesbo Charlie was born and has been passed down through the generations. He was a quiet man with a wonderful sense of humor and kept life interesting with his pranks, tricks and easy smile that we all loved to see. Evajane passed away not long after they retired and moved to Republic. He married Sandra Url on July 12, 2008, gaining another son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Kristina Url. They lived in Republic until just recently, then moved to Elk, where he spent his final months.

Gene loved his family and was happy when his children married and the grandchildren arrived. He had a very special place in his heart for his grandchildren: Vinnie Van Wyk, Jerralynn (Mike) Meyer, Cassandra (Zac) Becker, Nicole (Barney) Ferguson, Justilynn Van Wyk, Trex Novotney, Tyler and Quentin Url. He also has one great-grandchild, Jade Meyer.

Gene served as an elder in the Christian Congregation of Jehovahs Witnesses for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by all his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, his brother Bob Novotney of Spokane, his sister Dorla Reister (Ray) of Wilbur, his sister Laura Groh of Wilbur and his wife Sandi of Elk.

A memorial will be held for Gene on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at 1 p.m., at the Republic Elementary School.