Eugene Dean "Gene" Dickinson, 69, longtime Rosalia area resident, passed away on January 10, 2016 at his home. He will be laid to rest next week at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake.

Gene was born on November 13, 1946 in Spokane, Washington to Oly & Josephine (Estell) Dickinson. He was raised in Rosalia and graduated high school there. After graduation, Gene was drafted into the United States Army and served for two years, with 19 months of in-country service during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged and returned to Spokane where he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad as a car man. He retired after 27 years of service with BNSF. He was a card carrying member of the local Brotherhood of Railway Carmen division of the AFL-CIO.

After retirement, Gene returned to Rosalia and farmed part-time. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed hunting, going to BBQ's with friends and spending time on his boat. He could also appreciate a good country drive on a Sunday afternoon as well as working with his model trains. It seems that he was always working on a project. He enjoyed spending time with family and they came first in his life.

Gene is survived by his wife Lori at their home in Malden; daughter Danita (Greg) Shaw of Spangle and Scott (Deann) Dickinson of Spokane; stepchildren Bruce Davidson and Melissa (Jeff) Davidson of Spokane; eight siblings, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings.

Memorial contributions in Gene's honor are suggested to the Rosalia Volunteer Fire Department. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.