Gene was born in a farmhouse in Macleay, Oregon on January 30, 1924 to Carl and Hoddie (Binegar) Ramsden. He grew up in the Salem, Oregon area and graduated from North Salem High School in 1942. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1942, hoping to be a pilot, but his hopes were dashed when he was found to be red and green color blind, which disqualified him from flying. He received a medical discharge later that year. Upon returning to Salem he worked various odd jobs until starting as a heavy equipment salesman with Interstate Tractor, which later became Halton Tractor, He took early retirement from Halton Tractor in 1967 as the general manager of their Salem store. They were closing that location and he did not want to move his family to Portland to become the manager there.

Gene married Helen Rosebraugh on November 5, 1952 in Vancouver, Washington. They built a home together on their property in the Central Howell area which was a donation land claim taken by his great grandfather William Murphey in 1848 and they spent their entire married life in this home. It remains in the family, now being the home of their grandson, Curtis Mann and his family One child, Barbara Jean, was born to them in 1955. Helen preceded him in death on April 28, 1994.

After his retirement, Gene took up golf and enjoyed many happy days in the sun on the course. He also took many trips to the Oregon Coast, which was his favorite spot to get away. When grandchildren came along he took great delight in them, as well as his great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Gene passed away on July 30, 2019 in Mt. Angel, Oregon at the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center after a lengthy illness.

He is survived by his daughter Barbara (Alan) Mann. Grandchildren Curtis (Katie) Mann and Darleen (Ben) Sichley, all of Silverton, Oregon. Great-grandchildren: Tylor (Brodie McInnis) Mann, Marley Mann, Lilah Mann, Mason Sichley, Nolan Sichley and Quinten Sichley. Great-great-grandchildren Toby Mann and Leoh Brielle Mann.

A private family celebration of life will be held. If you would like to make a remembrance of his life, please no flowers, but a donation to United Way of Salem in his name would be appreciated. Arrangement by Unger Funeral Chapel in Silverton.