Eugene Himes

Eugene (Gene) Himes, 77, died November 18, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth.

Gene was born on May 12, 1943 to Delmar and Ruth (Kalander) Himes in Duluth, grew up in Finland and graduated from Kelley High in June 1961.  He attended UMD until joining the U. S. Navy in San Diego on Dec. 31, 1963.

His first of many assignments was Lakehurst, NJ to become a meteorologist. Throughout 30 years on active duty he served on Midway Island, Atsugi Naval Air Station, Yokosuka Japan, Moffett Field, Ca and Cubi Point Naval Air Station, Philippines. He performed Sea duty on Commander Seventh Fleet Staff on USS Oklahoma City and USS Blue Ridge and USS Providence including several Vietnam War deployments  He retired as a Master Chief Aerographer’s Mate, then joined the Civil Service and worked for the Navy in Yokosuka until he retired in 2013. In 2009 he was awarded a plaque (and sword & scabbard) from the Secretary of the Navy for his 45 years of service and retired with 49 years in service to the Navy. During his assignment at Yokosuka as a civil servant he mentored and provided guidance to hundreds of sailors as part of the Aegis Training and Readiness Center Yokosuka staff. Eugene’s legacy of dedication, wry humor and thoughtfulness is missed and will never be forgotten.

He was flown from a Japanese hospital on Christmas 2018 to the VA Hospital in Minneapolis, where he received excellent care.  Most recently he resided in CareFree Living in Silver Bay.

Gene married Masako (Toshiko) Matsumoto in 1971, and she preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were his father, Delmar, grandparents, aunts and uncles and several cousins.

He is survived by his mother, Ruth (Kalander) Himes; sister, Judith Martell; nephew, Roger (Cheryl) Martell and family; special Navy friend, Frank who got him back to the states; and all his Naval friends.

Thank you to St. Luke’s for the care he received in his last days.

A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Crystal Bay Cemetery in Finland. To share your memories or condolences online please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.