Gene Dennis Pasek passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, Sept. 29. He was born Aug. 13, 1949 in Mount Vernon.

Gene grew up in Oak Harbor and graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1968. Gene played many sports in high school and college. He attended Skagit Valley College, WSU and UW. Then later, he attended Mount Vernon Beauty School and worked as a hair dresser in Mount Vernon for 20 years.

He loved cooking, gardening and making wine. His wine making became his passion — enter Pasek Cellars Winery founded by Gene and Kathy Pasek in 1995. With the help of their partner David James joining them in 2003, the winery grew to the 50th largest winery out of 900 in the state.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Edwin Pasek and Loretta Rakes; and his grandparents Elsie and Walter Pasek and John and Ruby DeGraaf.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Lee Pasek, son Aaron Jacob Pasek, grandson Isaac Alexander Pasek. He is also survived by four sisters and one brother, Teresa (Terri) Bowen, Barbara (Martin) Manson, Patricia Sexton, Kathi Caskey and Donald (Tina) Pasek; two stepchildren, Heidi (Jason) Lindsey and Cameron (Kari) Vance.; three step grandchildren, Samuel and Olivia Lindsey and Hailey Vance; and 10 nieces and nephews and countless friends.

The family is so grateful for the support of hospice and they would like remembrances to be made to Hospice of the Northwest at 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.