Gene Duane Hapip

Gene was born in Williston, North Dakota on June 22, 1937. He was the only child of Nave and Vida Hapip. Gene grew up on a wheat farm surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins. He graduated from Williston High School in 1955 and, tired of the cold North Dakota winters, moved to Southern California. Gene then joined the U.S. Navy where he received training for his future career as an Air Traffic Controller. For 44 years, Gene worked at several control towers, with the majority of years spent at Van Nuys Airport. After he retired in 2002, Gene moved to a beautiful new home in a desert golf course community. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, golfing, playing pool, and poker.

Gene is survived by his wife of 17 years, Deana Hapip, his Aunts Fritz Bouse and Josephine Spizzirri son Duane Hapip and daughter-in-law Claudia Hapip, daughter Valerie Hapip, daughter Lisa Nielsen and son-in-law Collyn Nielsen, and grandchildren Matthew Hapip, Nicholas Cassley, Colette Hapip, Patrick Cassley, Georgie Nielsen, Andrew Nielsen, and Kacie Nielsen. He was Grandpa to Deana’s Grandchildren, Hannah and Ashley Stillson, Bennett and Kellen Myers. Gene is preceded in death by his first wife, Georgette Hapip.

Memorial donations may be given in his name to the American Cancer Foundation.

Arrangements under the direction of TRIDENT SOCIETY - Rancho Mirage, Rancho Mirage, CA.