Eugene McGee of Goderich passed away at Goderich Alexandra and Marine General Hospital on Sunday, July 30th, 2023, at the age of 92. Eugene – also known as “Bim” – is survived by his sister Dolores Hoy of Clinton, sister-in-law Margaret Morton and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents – Albert and Beatrice McGee, Wife – Marion, and his siblings – Cecil McGee, Helen Hill, Harold McGee, Joseph McGee, and Maxine Taylor.
He was born on October 21st, 1930, on a farm where the No. 31 Air Navigation School was built in 1940, just north of Port Albert on Hwy. 21. That started a lifelong interest in the Navigation School. He kept and gathered memorabilia from those years, wrote a book and contributed many articles to the Huron County Museum in Goderich. In 1986 Eugene organized a reunion for the ANS, eventually built two memorial cairns on the north side entrance of Port Albert with plaques in memory of the school and the men who died while training there. Every Remembrance Day he placed poppies on the Port Albert graves of deceased veterans.
Eugene worked on the Great Lakes boats for about 10 years and then the salt mine in Goderich and bought a home on Nile Road near Sheppardton. He was often seen in parades and around town driving his red truck which he lovingly restored. His hobby was painting signs. The very first street signs in Port Albert were painted and installed by Eugene and there are still signs around that he commissioned.
A lifelong member of Christ Church Port Albert, the Lucknow Legion, and historical societies and in his younger years a guitar player and singer, Eugene was well known and loved.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at Christ Church Cemetery, Port Albert on Tuesday August 8, 2023 at 1:30 PM. In Lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathies, donations to the Christ Church of Port Albert or a charity of your choice is appreciated.
Shared by W Pf
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Alan Wybrow
Gene you are now at rest. I am saddened to hear of your passing but just a few weeks ago you mentioned to me that you were in considerable pain and missed Marion very much. You, my friend , are now at peace and I certainly will miss the letters and phone calls we have had over the years. Our friendship has been over 25 years with many discussions and research trips of ANS# 31 along with many other interesting times. Rest in peace my friend and until we meet again, keep the boys in blue flying!
Darlene Wilson
So sorry for your loss Bim was such a great man he drove with dad to work at the salt mine. and lived up the road from us he will be truly missed Darlene Haggitt Wilson
Mariette Desjardine
Dolly,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Butch and Mariette
W Pf
Photo taken in 2008 at Gene’s RAF Port Albert museum in his home.
David & Virginia (Chisholm) Caesar
Eugene / Bim was such a knowledgeable man, and we always enjoyed our chats with him. He liked catching up with David on the salt mine happenings and people, and family in general. To Dolly and all the McGee families we extend our sincere condolences.
Shirley Erb
To Dolores and all of your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ken & Sylvia McGee
To Deloris & family.
Sorry to learn of the loss of your brother. Hard to believe that you are the last surviving McGee family member of all the McGee families with such close ties to Port Albert and area. Wishing you many years of good health to keep some of this tradition going.
Your cousin Ken
Patricia Campbell-Sweeney
When I returned to Goderich after being away for so many years, I had the pleasure to meet Marion and Eugene. Eugene remembered me as a child. He knew my mom’s family. It was always a pleasure to see them. I became fascinated by all the research he did. I searched till I found the book he wrote of Port Albert. Hope that his research will become a part of the museum for all to see.
I also met Eugene’s sister in law Margaret from Point Clark who would be there often with meals and other things that they both needed. She kept it up even after her sister Marion passed away.
Everyone in Goderich,Port Albert and Lucknow and everywhere else will sadly miss him.
Those whom I spoke with and myself included said rest now our friend for the Lord has taken you home to be by his side and taken away your pain.
Deepest condolences to his family.
Elaine Fielder
Bim was a true gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. Our family extends our sympathies to his family. Rest in peace.
Joan Campbell
Bim was a great guy and will be very much missed. Rest in peace dear man.
Dorothy Freeman
“Bim” was always a great neighbour. Always ready for a chat or to help out in many ways. You are going to be missed Bim.
Sylvain and Julie Babin
Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Sylvain and Julie Babin
Lee Brown
Dolly and Family
Bim was both a neighbour and a friend. I extend my sincere condolences to you and your family….Bim was a decent, good man and May He Rest in Peace…….
Judy Tigert
The Port Albert community was extremely lucky to have Gene. He left a legacy of artifacts, publications and monuments which will forever be a tribute to the WW2 Airforce Veterans at Port Albert. Also he was just an incredibly nice man who I will remember as generously supporting my Girl Guide cookie sales (whether he wanted them or not 😊). A historian and a gentleman. RIP Eugene McGee.
Mike and Val (Park) Bendig
Dear Dolores – we are so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Mike and Val Bendig and family.
David Yates
Eugene was a great local historian and of the Air Navigational School, in particular. I will miss our chats about days gone by in Huron County. Condolences to his family.