Eugene (‘Gene’) Allan McCabe
- Reader submitted
- Nov 18, 2025
- 2 min read
May 18, 1933– November 3, 2025
His educational, military, social, outdoor, and professional accomplishments reflected the intelligence and hard work of an honorable self-made man who rose from humble beginnings. Yet Gene’s purposeful life was defined by far more than his degrees, titles, or accolades.
Guided by unwavering integrity — and strengthened by the discipline and courage to always do what was right — he found deep and lasting happiness. His life was enriched by genuine friendships, by days filled with affection, service, and by a respect for those around him.
Gene met his first wife, Debby McCabe, beneath Sather Gate, where their story began. They shared 53 years of marriage until her passing in 2010. Soon after, Joy Kuhn McCabe entered his life. Warmly welcomed by her family, at age 78 Gene began a new chapter, settling into a new Marin life with Joy. Together, he and Joy traveled, entertained friends and family, and found great pleasure in simply being together.
Gene also treasured the company of friends from all walks of life — from his college fraternity and ski patrol days to those he met through the many clubs and organizations he joined or supported across the East Bay, San Francisco, and Marin County. Among these friends were those in and around the Bohemian Club’s electricity-free Iron Ring camp, where he found camaraderie — and first met Joy during a picnic.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Joy Kuhn McCabe of Tiburon; his brother, Jack; his daughter, Martha; his son, Charlie; stepchildren Steve (Teri) Kuhn, Gary (Heidi) Kühn, and Leslie (Frank) Doyle; grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He passed away at age 92, as he had lived — happily, surrounded by family, on his own terms, with independence, dignity, and grace.
A private family memorial service will be held. His love, kindness, honesty, and understanding remain an enduring inspiration to all who knew him. And when a man of integrity and accomplishment is fortunate enough to experience two great loves in a single lifetime — first with Debby, and then with Joy — what greater gifts could life offer?