Eugene Magleby

GENE MAGLEBY Click here to view Gene's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Eugene “Gene” H. Magleby passed away peacefully at his home on December 15, 2009. He was born May 15, 1931 in Blackfoot, Idaho as the second son to H. Wells Magleby and Estella Emma Holman Magleby. His only sibling, Dale, preceded him in death. Eugene lived his entire life in the Idaho Falls area attending O.E. Bell Jr. High School, where he excelled in track as a sprinter, and graduating from Idaho Falls High School in 1949. In High School, he was an exceptional student especially in mathematics and science. He continued his interest in sports including tennis which he and friends learned from Mae Neuber, the World History teacher at the time. Eugene then enrolled as a student at Idaho State College in Pocatello where he earned a B.S. degree in Physics in 1953. Seeking more education in his chosen field, he began graduate study at the University of Utah earning a Masters degree, again in physics, in 1955. Following graduation, he began his career at the National Reactor Testing Station (now the INL) beginning with Phillips Petroleum Co. and continuing with subsequent prime contractors until his retirement in May 1988. He worked as a valued scientist there in the nascent physics department in the Cross Sections Group at the Materials Test Reactor. He continued to serve for many years as a technical administrator for different managers of the Science and Technology Division and later worked in the Hydro and NRC Radiological Programs. He was a member of the American Nuclear Society for many years. Eugene enjoyed the outdoors and spent many years hunting elk in the fall with friends in the Lolo Trail area of Northern Idaho. Backpacking and snow skiing were additional passions that he enjoyed for many years with his fellow workers and their children. He was known to many of these children as “Uncle Gene”, a role that he enjoyed. Also, in his private life, he owned several rental apartment properties in Idaho Falls. He was a member of the original board of directors of the Atomic Workers (West-Mark) credit union and served in that capacity for many years. Following retirement he and good friend, Bob Grimesey, took up an interest in gourmet cooking and treated their friends to many fine meals. Eugene never married, and, despite having no family remaining after his brother’s death, he had a full rich life filled with good times and the great respect of his many friends and professional colleagues. Special thanks to Ed and Debra Ager for the loving care they provided for over five years to Eugene during his final years as he struggled with the effects of Alzheimers disease. Thanks to Dr. Scott Taylor, the staff of Hospice of Eastern Idaho and Natalie Burtenshaw and Robyn Edwards from Absolute Home Care for their compassionate care in his final months. Interment and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Friends who would like to be notified of this memorial, please contact Richard Miller at 208-529-2453 or Kathy Buckland at 208-523-3740. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Jane Hoffman hoffmaja@ida.net How sad to hear of Gene's death. Met Gene in 1983 when I joined his group at EG&G Idaho. He was always gracious and considerate when I worked with him...always a gentleman as well as a gentle man. After my retirement I would sometimes see him at Community Park while I walked my dogs, Buzz and Boucelle. We used to talk about my sister's Alzheimer's. How could we know that he would be a victim of such a devastating disease and I would end up with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Gene talked many times of his many friends...their get-togethers at his home, Sun Valley and Florida. I am sure they all feel a great loss. He has been, and will continue to be, in my thoughts and prayers.