Eugene Francis Lynch

Eugene (Gene) Francis Lynch, DVM, passed away on February 4th, 2021 at his home in Petaluma at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Lynch, daughter Laurel Lynch, and his 80+ bonsai trees, which he nurtured for over 50 years. Born in Deer Lodge, Montana to Matthew and Mildred Lynch, Gene grew up in San Mateo where he attended Serra High School. He graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis in 1962 and practiced at the Balboa Pet Hospital in San Francisco and, later, as a relief veterinarian at veterinary hospitals throughout Northern California. Though afflicted with polio as a young boy Gene always enjoyed physical activity and received a block letter from Serra High School for basketball and from UC Davis for track (high jump). Gene’s other great passions in life were bonsai, the out-of-doors, and his small, beloved family. He met his wife Becky on a backpack trip in the Sierra Nevada and they travelled widely together over their 40 years of marriage with trips to Kenya, Ecuador, China, India, Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Europe. He was very proud of his daughter who attended the Juilliard School for dance and who has enjoyed a long career with the Mark Morris Dance Group. Gene was a founding member of the Redwood Empire Bonsai Society where he taught intermediate workshops and was on the board for many years. He is remembered by many REBS members for his gentle demeanor and off-beat humor. Gene is also survived by his brother Daniel Lynch and was preceded in death by his sister Margaret Dillon. There are no immediate plans for services though his family hopes to hold a memorial in the fall.

.