Gene Sackman

Sackman Lived an Exceptional Life Gene Sackman died of a heart attack he had while on a cattle drive May 30, 2014. He was 73 years young. He was a memorable character to those who knew him. With a wink and a twinkle in his eyes, paired with that genuine smile, Gene loved people. He had more talent in his pinky finger than a hundred men; he lived a whole hearted life. He became something of an American folk figure, hero to some, and a pain in the ass at times to others. Gene was the kind of person you wanted to be around, he truly was the life of the party. A voice from the past carrying the old time ways with him through stories and his cowboy way of life. Sackman, for so many, was a symbolic male figure; welding, fixing, carving, horse breeding/breaking, Western book reading...He had a handsome and hearty face, with crinkles around those teasing eyes, expressing much emotion and giving the impression of a man of action, a man who lived life. When he walked into the room, one could sense the arrival of coiled vigor waiting only to be sprung. His confident and friendly demeanor was that of a man who did not look for trouble, but was relentless in tackling it when it affronted him. He was born on April 3, 1941, in Colfax, WA, and grew up in Omak on the family ranch. He went to college at Wenatchee Valley, worked at Sears until retirement, then built a log home above Conconully in the rawness of nature with his beloved wife, Annie, whom he loved dearly. You never thought of Gene without Annie; they made the perfect team. Annie was his helpmate and the one Gene enjoyed provoking the most. I'm not sure she'd have it any other way. Together, they were examples of true grit; they were the moon and the stars. Gene initiated unforgettable adventures worthy to be shared over again with family and friends. He enjoyed his Westerns on television and in books, but he loved living them even more. Gene had a tendency to reach a little bit into our souls through his insight of people. Take with you a piece of Gene Sackman and when you reach the mountain's summit, take a pull back on the reins, where it might make the boldest hold their breath, and let the pony have his head. Gene is survived by his wife, Annie; daughter, Kim Bartel; son, Tony; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sister, Sally Eder; his brothers, John and Buck; and a slew of amazing friends. A Potluck Celebration will be held, Saturday, June 28, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sittin' Bull in Conconully. Please bring any photos of Gene, a lawn chair and a favorite dish for the potluck. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Conconully Fire Department.

Gene Sackman

April 3, 1941 - May 30, 2014