Gene Terry Hadley

 Gene Terry Hadley, born on July 11, 1951, in Roy, Utah, to Elmer Leroy (Roy) and Shirley Hadley, passed away peacefully at his home on September 23, 2024, after a courageous battle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Growing up he often visited his grandparents’ farm in West Weber, Gene nurtured a deep sense of faith and family, which remained a guiding force throughout his life. 

 He graduated from Roy High School in 1970, forging lifelong friendships and laying the foundation for his future endeavors. It was at their high school graduation that Gene met the love of his life, Jeanene Borger. They were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple in 1972, creating a family filled with love and cherished memories. 

 After high school, Gene was called to serve an LDS mission in the Northern Indian Mission in North Dakota. There, he faithfully served, developing a great love for the people and a deep commitment to helping others. Throughout his life, he continued to serve in various callings within the church, a place that was always near and dear to his heart. Following his mission, Gene worked as a ranch hand at a dude ranch in Dubois, Wyoming, nurturing his love for the open range and working with livestock. This experience deepened his connection to the land and reflected his hardworking nature. It was the life he had always dreamed of living. 

 Following in his father's footsteps, Gene dedicated 44 years of his life to High Valley Chemical, working diligently until his retirement. His son Matt, who also works for High Valley, became his trusted right-hand man, and the two shared a deep and unbreakable bond that enriched both their lives. Gene’s unwavering commitment and strong work ethic left a lasting impact on the company, its customers, and his colleagues. 

 An avid outdoorsman, Gene cherished riding through the open countryside on horseback with his father Roy, his son Cache, and more recently with his grandsons, Ayden and Ryder. Gene also loved camping with his family in the Uintas, creating lasting memories around campfires under star-filled skies. The mountains were his sanctuary; he spent countless hours riding ATVs along scenic trails with Jeanene by his side. 

 Gene had an enduring passion for music, with Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Sons of the Pioneers, and Garth Brooks among his favorites. His love for pinwheel cookies, graham cracker cookies with chocolate frosting, Hostess Snowballs, and Big Cherries was just as strong; so much so that he would discreetly unwrap the wrappers to enjoy them without a sound, despite his diabetes. 

 Gene loved spending his winters visiting his daughter, Emily, in Lake Havasu City, AZ, and vacationing with his son, Jesse, in Oregon. He was known for his lively sense of humor, often lightening the mood with his playful catchphrases during games or casual moments. Some of his favorites included: "Gee willikers," "Oh sugar," "Oh peanut brittle," "Oh my gosh, fart knockers," "Oh boy (oye)," "Ahhh chitty chitty bang bang," "Son of a gun," “Cleaner than a hound's tooth”, and "Ooo ahh heee ahhh," always leaving those around him smiling. 

 A devoted father, Gene is survived by his children: Matthew (Rachelle) Hadley, Cache (Kim) Hadley, Emily (Kent) Koster, and Jesse (Missy) Hadley, along with 12 grandchildren. His love, faith, wisdom, and guidance enriched the lives of his children and grandchildren. 

 Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Shirley Hadley, and his older brother, Gerald Hadley. He is survived by his siblings: Diane Campbell, Kristine Hadley, and Jill (Bill) Nay. His memory will be cherished by extended family members and close friends, who will miss his kindness and unwavering spirit. 

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Shaw and the incredible cancer team at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, as well as the compassionate caregivers from Huntsman at Home. Your expertise, kindness, and unwavering support during this journey meant the world to us. Your dedication brought comfort and care during such a difficult time, and we are forever grateful for all you did. 

Friends and family are welcome to gather and celebrate the legacy Gene leaves behind. A viewing will be on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:45 am at Memorial Lakeview Mortuary & Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful. Following the viewing a graveside service for Gene will begin at 12:00 pm at the same location. 

 Please share your memories with Gene's family.