Rutcher Eugene “Gene” Sedell

Rutcher Sedell was born August 14, 1929 in his parents’ home outside of Vancouver, WA; passed away December 22, 2014 at First Hill Swedish Hospital, Seattle. Gene was a long-time resident of Mercer Island.

Gene attended Barberton Grade School, Battle Ground Junior High and graduated from Battle Ground High in 1947. After graduation, he spent four summers working for the US Forestry Department in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. He attended Clark College in Vancouver for his freshman year, then transferring to the University of Washington from which he graduated with a degree in Chemistry in 1951.

He worked for General Electric at the Hanford Atomic Energy Works until he was drafted by the US Army. He spent the last nine months of his tour in Korea. Upon his discharge, he was hired by Boeing as a chemical engineer, where he continued to work until his retirement in 1992. Gene was a seven time Bridge Life Master and was also an avid golfer, playing mainly at the Mt. Si Golf Course.

He is preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Janet, who passed away in 2002. Gene’s brother, Arthur passed away in 1997. He is survived by his sister, Arlene Sedell, a sister-in-law, Adele (Sedell) Firestone, four nephews and one niece; all of Vancouver WA.

There will be no services. Memorial contributions suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the name of both Gene and Janet.

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