Eugene R. Post

Eugene Richard “Cedar” Post, 89, of Salida passed away May 1, 2018.  He was born August 19, 1928 to Ben and Nettie Post in Salida. He grew up on a hay and cattle ranch at the foot of Mt. Shavano and lived his entire life in Salida aside from service in the US Army in the early 1950s.  He was known as Gene, Cedar, Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Uncle, Papa, Barber, Ski Patrolman, Ambulance Driver, Search and Rescue Leader, Therapist, Hunter, Animal Lover, Painter, Tale Teller (some tall), Companion and so much more. Cedar you may ask? In his younger days, his hair had a “cedar tinge” and thus the nick name stuck his entire life.
Gene was a loving son to his Mother and Father always calling to check on them and do things for them. He was the baby brother of the family and certainly took advantage of that.  He genuinely loved his sister and brothers and they took great care of and loved their baby brother.
He was a GREAT Dad to his children, Steven and Gayle.  Even though he was self-employed they never wanted for anything and he always found a way to spoil them.   He taught them love and respect for animals and wildlife at an early age.  He passed is love of skiing on to Steve and his grandson Cammeron.  He loved to help people and was able to marry this to his love of skiing by being a ski patrolman for many years.  His grandson followed the same path.  
Gene was a barber in Salida for over 40 years and along with that went the role of Therapist.  He would listen to folk’s problems that came in for a haircut, offer advice or just a friendly ear. Often Gene as the only barber who ever cut his customer’s hair. He was a volunteer for the Ambulance service for many years.  He had many sad stories but also many happy stories.  He always loved to help people and was named Man of the Year in 1970 by the Salida Chamber of Commerce.
He helped to start the Chaffee County Sherriff’s Jeep Patrol which was the predecessor of the current Chaffee County Search and Rescue operation. He and his companions rescued many lost hikers, hunters and plane crash victims.
Gene was a hunter and it was a great joy in his life. He didn’t like sport hunting but believed that you always ate what you killed and never killed an animal for the sport of it. As a result, his children thought that everyone ate elk and deer meat. They weren’t sure what beef tasted like during their childhood.  He taught hunter safety classes for many years and most of the young people in Salida learned the proper use of and respect for firearms from him. He was an early conservationist and helped found the Izak Walton league.  Trap shooting at the league range became an event every Wednesday evening.  Gene loved to Oil Paint and always took classes to better himself.  He was very talented.  His favorite subjects were, of course, deer, elk, horses and mountains.
The proudest name he had was Papa!  He loved his two grandchildren so much. He was happiest when he was with them or doing something for them whether it be baiting a hook as fast as they pulled fish out of the water or watching them perform at a school concert.   He had only to mention their names and he would light up and that never went away.  He was so proud of the amazing people they have become!  
Uncle was another favorite name and he loved spending time with his nieces and nephews whether it was hunting, getting a haircut or just having a good visit.  
He was an animal lover and always had a horse, a dog or two and valued the love of a good dog and the occasional cat.  
Gene is preceded in death by his parents; Ben and Nettie Post, Brothers Dominick Post and Ernest Post; Sister Eileen Martin and Wife Dolores Post.
He is survived by; His companion of more than 20 years Linda Tobin; Brother Arthur Post; Son Steven (Carol McCallister) Post; Daughter Gayle (Joey) Martinez; Grandson Cammeron (Stacey) Larson; Granddaughter Kiley (Todd) Wakeman and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chaffee County Search and Rescue.
His memorial services will be at 11 a.m. May 9, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with interment to follow in Fairview Cemetery.  On line condolences may be made to the family at lewisandglenn.com.  Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.

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