In Memory of Gene Cherry

On March 6, 2017, Eugene Cline Cherry, DVM, 80, passed away under the tender care of home hospice surrounded by his loving family.

Born in 1936, Gene was the oldest of four children. The family moved from Kansas to Los Angeles in 1941 where he raised parakeets and pigeons as a youngster. Always a lover of animals, Gene attended UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and fulfilled his dream of becoming a veterinarian in 1963. While at Davis he met and fell in love with Karen Soe, his wife of 55 years.

After graduation, Gene and Karen moved to Palo Alto, California, where they were blessed with the births of their two daughters, Carolyn and Deanna. In 1972, the family moved to Ventura where he bought what would become Buena Animal Hospital. Gene enjoyed over 40 years sharing jokes and puns with his clients along with providing excellent care to their pets.

Gene spent many years working and volunteering in the community including being an early supporter of Project Understanding, as a commissioner for Ventura Parks & Recreation, and as a member of Ventura Rotary-East. During his retirement Gene continued volunteering with the Ventura County Long Term Care Ombudsman Services and Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program. The importance of community service was a central belief and he practiced his faith as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ventura, Our Redeemer, Oxnard, and Mt. Cross, Camarillo. Gene wanted everyone to know that he loved his Lord and knew that Jesus loved him. 

Gene had many hobbies including gardening and fishing. He especially enjoyed Ikebana flower arranging and won many blue ribbons for his talents at the Ventura County Fair. He also participated in the local Koi and Bonsai Clubs. In his leisure Gene enjoyed singing along to Barbra Streisand and Rogers & Hammerstein musicals. 

Gene is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Agnes. He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters, Carolyn and Deanna; granddaughter, Haley; brothers, Ned (Marge) and David (Donay); sister, Susanne Kelley (Cliff) and many other relatives and their children. 

Gene's family thanks Assisted Hospice and Elite Caregivers for their care and kind attention during his last days. 

A visitation will be held at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, in Ventura, on Friday, March 10, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. A Memorial Service will be at Mount Cross Lutheran Church, 102 Camino Esplendido, in Camarillo, on Saturday, March 11 at 1:00 pm. Interment will be a private family service at Inglewood Cemetery, Los Angeles. 

In lieu of flowers, Gene's family would appreciate donations be made to Project Understanding (http://www.projectunderstanding.org) or Ventura County Animal Services (http://www.vcas.us). 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.