Gene had a long affiliation with the Sanctuary Cove. From the time he moved to the Sunflower community he walked the trails there on an almost daily basis. He also participated in numerous building and trail maintenance activities from 1999 through at least 2009. For some years he also served on the Board of Directors for the Cove. As the health of his wife, Heide Deess, deteriorated he slowly reduced his service to the Cove, but continued his daily visits. When Heide passed away in 2013 her memorial service was held in the Cove amphitheater with the chair of the board in attendance.
After a massive stroke in 2016 Gene was confined to a wheelchair but, despite being in hospice care, still made occasional trips to the Sanctuary Cove he loved.
Over the more than 20 years Gene lived in Tucson, the Cove was dear to his heart and he would like to ask people to make contributions to the Cove in lieu of sending flowers.