As I reflect on my memories of Gene, I can't help but have in the forefront of my mind Life On A Train ... Gene sent this to some of us (via email) some months back. At that time it was most impactful to me and I knew that it was Gene's way of telling us that he would soon be exiting our train.

Whether Gene was on your train for months or for years, I think it is safe to say that he made an impact in some way in your life. I met Anne and Gene in the mid 90's and have many wonderful memories of camping with our horses, singing karaoke around the campfire, the cowboy church services, working endless hours for GERL and just having a good time.

Not only was Gene a wonderful friend to me, he was my wise advisor while serving for several years with me on the GERL board. Gene would listen to all options, opinions, etc. and always had a very wise statement to make regarding the issue. He was a wonderful addition to our board and I thoroughly enjoyed his involvement.

Gene fought hard right up until the end, trying each option that would give him a bit more time here with Anne, his wonderful wife who he truly adored. He was honest, courageous and a shining example of a strong Christian man as he leaned hard on his faith. He was blessed to be at home and spend his last hours with Anne. Gene's train ride is over and he has now gone to meet the Lord - and probably has the angels singing karaoke

I am proud to say that Gene provided me with wonderful baggage and although he has exited my train, he has left an everlasting impression on my life. I will miss him always

Betty Evenson

*Life On A Train is a wonderfully impactful email that Gene sent some of us in his last months. It explains life as a train ride - folks get on and ride with you sometimes for a short time ... sometimes for a long time. They exit at different times and under different circumstances. Sometimes they leave you with baggage (memories good and bad) and sometimes you barely remember that they even rode with you. It is a must read and a must share email. If you would like a copy of Life On A Train please email me at gerlbetty@aol.com and I will be happy to email you a copy.

My thoughts and memories of Gene are of best friend and neighbor. We moved to Dally Road when it was just a one lane dirt road and we were the only ones there but soon Gene and his family moved to the hill above us. We both had teenage girls and they soon were riding up and down the road on our horses and our families became great friends. They were the kind of neighbors that you wish everybody had, the kind that were always there for you.

When Gene was single again, he met wonderful Anne and he brought her to meet us. He was so in love and for the rest of his life, they shared something really, really special. I think it was instant knowledge that they were meant to be together and together they were.

We were fortunate enough to travel with Anne & Gene and our horses to Custer, South Dakota and ride some of the most wonderful places on earth. Gene planned each stop along the way and made sure they were the right ones for us and our horses. It was spectacular and the trip was one of a lifetime. A life worth living is one of memories, both good and bad but all of mine with dear, wonderful, teacher and friend, Gene are all wonderful and so special. He touched us in ways that he never knew and for that we are so grateful to have known him. We miss him so much and the hill above us will never be the same. However, we still have wonderful Anne on our hill and the memories will live on in our hearts.

We love you!

Lamar & Kathy Chandler

I have so many memories and thoughts about Gene that I would love to share. Those who had the pleasure of working with Gene knew what an open, honest and fair man he was. I have seen Gene fret about a problem that GERL was working on, never saying much until he thought things through, then offered what he felt was a fair and equitable solution that would work for all parties.

My very, very fondest memory though is one that will be etched in my brain forever. I cannot remember which GERL Fest we were at but Anne & Gene had been out on the dance floor for quite sometime enjoying themselves. Most of us had wandered back to the fire at our campsite. I happened to look up and saw Anne & Gene dancing their way over to the campfire, lost in each others arms with the biggest smiles on their faces and in their eyes. Full of love and life with Anne in his arms ... that is my best memory of Gene Ensminger.

Ronnie Pesserilo

Anne & Gene Ensminger