I’ve created this page to honor my father, Gene Koselke. His body was here with us on earth from 3/5/1951-7/28/2022.
Gene left a blue rose (image below) and a note with these words (quote below) in his Spokane home. I share these with you in hopes that they bring you some comfort and understanding.
“ My life has been fulfilled and fulfilling. Death is the way utilized as a way away from this existence. It is not an ending as I saw it… it is a transformation. Death in many ways is welcome, as I am no longer suffering in this physical form. I have been returned to the universe, but my essence and presence is still here with you, just different now. What still remains with you is the vibrant me with the good and positive energy that was once here. Live on in hope and love, and be at peace with yourself and those closest to you” (Gene Koselke, July 2022)
(Dad also left a poem. Scroll down to the image of the Blue Rose for this poem)
Gene left his body on Thursday 7/28/22 at 4:15 PM. He surrendered.
He knew that his health was rapidly declining and he could not go on existing as the human that he truly was. Gene suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomelitis since the late 1990’s. His condition steadily worsened. He did the best he could to live with this illness. I have put a link at the end of this page for more info on CFIDS/ME to help us better grasp why he chose to exit this earth.
How he died does not matter, if you know Gene you know to honor him & respect this. My father loved and lived to his fullest capabilities. This I know for sure.
I am deeply grateful that he was my Dad. He taught me & others so much in so many ways. He taught me to:
- Work hard
- Take risks
- Listen & listen more
- Laugh hard (often with a snort!)
- Lighten up
- Forgive myself
- Hold compassion for others
- Laugh at my mistakes and try again
- Smile big
- Love
- Learn
- Let myself fall & fail
- To keep my heart open
He encouraged me to keep learning and to keep a strong sense of wonder & awe of the spirit of the land and energy around me. He knew that we are all connected and did his extreme best to be a good human.
At times, in his struggling human body, Gene felt overwhelmed and or that there was something wrong with him. Sometimes he separated himself from others. He would laugh as he called himself a “wanderer” or a “curmudgeon”.
The truth is Gene had a high sensory body & sensitive soul. This can be a difficult combination to walk around in human form with. Especially when struggling with a chronic illness.
Here is the BLUE ROSE (CLICK here for article he had pinned to this rose)
Gene typed on a note for me:
“And lastly, a poem…”
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am the one thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in the snow
I am the sun on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled light
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there; I did not die
Gene specified for his cremated remains to be scattered on 2 different beaches by his daughters. Heather and grandchild will scatter on Camano Island . Bre and Chris Bicknell will scatter on Isla Coronado in Loreto, Mexico.
Peace, Bre Bicknell
Please see comments below to share memories and kind words.
Gene was a wonderful man and I loved him. Andy, my husband Ray and Gene took many trips on their Razors for several days at a time and these were some of the best days Ray had in Loreto. Gene and I could talk for hours about anything and everything. I saw him on his last trip to Loreto and we talked for probably 3 hours. He talked about his illness and how difficult it was to do the things he loved, including caring for 2 places–Loreto and Spokane. But he loved his family and wanted to be with them. I had no idea he was struggling as much as he was. Over the years he talked about you, his grandson that lived with him for a while, his brother that had bought some property in Idaho (I think) and others. Loved his tai chi which gave him great comfort. Remember when he went to Mexico mainland and had the sword made by a master. Many memories of laughter and good times. He will be sorely missed, and I am sure he is in a better place.
Bob and Marilyn Myers (good friends of Gene) and myself plan on placing Rays ashes in the Sea of Cortez in October or November this year. I know they would be honored to help the Bicknell’s do the same for Gene if they need help. So sad and yet I am happy he is no longer suffering.
Thank you so much Diane! Your words mean so much to me. I will stay in touch on when Chris and I will be coming to Loreto. Love, Bre
I am so sorry for your loss, and ours. Gene was an integral part of the fabric of Loreto for many years. His infectious smile, the snort laugh that you mention, & his gentle spirit. I feel honoured to have known him.
Thank you Louie.