It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Eugene Orean McGinnis. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family after a lengthy illness, at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Saturday, January 13th at the age of 66. Gene was born in Norton, New Brunswick, a close knit community. He was a son of Mrs. Beatrice (Given) McGinnis and the late Earl McGinnis. Gene married his wife Joan and settled in Bloomfield where they raised 3 children. He worked as a carpenter until his retirement in 2012. He grew up playing sports, but hockey was his passion. He played hockey for many years, and spent a lot of winters building ice rinks in the backyard. He loved watching his beloved Montreal Canadians, a love he shared with his father Earl and the rest of the family. He spent several years coaching the Norton Kings hockey team, and loved telling stories of those happy times. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and family gatherings, especially spending time at the camp in Southfield. He loved to make people laugh, always joking around with his grandchildren. He also loved singing and playing music by the campfire or on stage with his brother Austin. He will be greatly missed by his loving mother Beatty and the entire family. He was predecesed by brother in law Gary Gray. Surviving in addition to his mother is his wife Joan (Marshall) McGinnis, a son Barry McGinnis (Nicole Gray) of Saint John, daughters; Lisa Richard (Greg) of Hampton and Cheryl Thorne (Jason) of Sussex, 5 grandchildren; Avery, Abby, Brianna, Laura and Maya, a brother Austin McGinnis (Jan) of Sussex, sisters; Anita Pollock (Richard) of Norton, Lorena Roy (Leonard) of Norton and Sherry McGinnis-Gray (Glen) of Midland, sister-in-law, Carol Shipley (Peter) of Sussex, brother-in-law Jamie Marshall of Kingston and a number of nieces and nephews. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Centre (506-839-2156), 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM. A Mass of Christian Burial in honour of Eugene’s life will be held 11:00 am Thursday, January 18th 2018, at Sacred Heart Church, Norton, NB. In Eugene’s memory, donations made to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through SherwoodsFuneralHome.com