Obituary: Dolphin, Eugene C. “Gene”
Age 67
Gene was born at Greenville (Plumas Co), CA, March 16, 1948.
Returning to live in Spokane Valley in 1952, Gene’s education spanned Opportunity Grade School to West Valley High School, graduating with honors in 1966.
Gene enjoyed tennis, swimming, music and astronomy.
While attending WSU during the Vietnam War, Gene enlisted in the US Naval Reserves.
After graduating from WSU in 1970 he donned his Lieutenant uniform, becoming a commissioned officer in the Medical Services Corp of the US Navy.
While on active duty, Gene and his wife, Penny, were transferred to US Naval bases around the states.
Their son, Andrew Eugene Dolphin was born June 30, 1972.
Gene was also stationed in Okinawa.
Gene was honored with two service medals - one a Commendation Medal, as Division Officer of Laboratory (TRILAB) Information Systems; for lab improvements from 1984 to 1988, at the Naval Hospital, San Diego.
Second a Joint Achievement Medal for development, testing and evaluation of the Composite Health Care System in 1989.
Honorably discharged, Gene remained in San Diego, divorced, found civilian employment at SAIC (Science Applications International Corp) and a happy marriage with his 2nd wife, Kathy, lasting 22 years.
Gene and Kathy were ardent environmentalists in tune with nature, heard through their playing of beautiful Indian wooden flutes.
They built remarkable energy and water saving devices at their home in San Diego and desert property - solar powered generators to power lights, electricity, electric/gas car and water pumps.
Gene took his passion for astronomy around the world, watching the night sky from nearly every continent.
Gene was preceded in death by his father, Wilford Dolphin.
Gene is survived by his mother, Lola Dolphin in Spokane Valley; wife, Kathy Dolphin in San Diego; son, Andy (Georgetta) Dolphin and grandson Andrew in Tucson; step daughter Liz (Cheyenne) Roze in San Diego; sister, Nancy (Terry) Shatto in Greenacres and numerous other extended family members.
Gene will be interred at Miramar National Veteran’s Cemetery in San Diego.