Gene Doane obituary: Gene Doane's Obituary, Syracuse
In Memory Of
Gene Doane
1941 - 2016
In Memory Of
Gene Doane
1941 - 2016
Gene Doane
1941 – 2016
Ronald Gene Doane, 74, of Liverpool N.Y. died in St. Joseph’s Hospital on January 23, 2016 following an extended illness. He was the son of William F. and Laura D. (Barr) Doane, also of Liverpool. His sister, Sylvia L. Doane, predeceased him. She was sponsored by the North Syracuse Baptist Church as a missionary in a remote region of Zaire (now the Republic of Congo) in Africa where she spent virtually all of her adult life. Gene leaves his brother, Marshall G. Doane of Belmont MA, who is a retired Emeritus Senior Scientist and Assistant Professor of Biophysics in the Ophthalmology Department at Harvard Medical School.
Gene was born in Syracuse and at age 5 he moved with his family to Morgan Road outside of Liverpool. For most of grade school he attended a one-room schoolhouse (Woodard School), located near the corner of Morgan Road and Buckley Road. This was a small, one-story wooden building with no running water, two attached privies (boys and girls), and heated by a large coal stove in the front corner of the room. A white porcelain bucket and a “dipper” on a shelf at the back of the room provided drinking water. The older boys would keep the bucket full by filling it from a well and hand pump that was located outside.
All grades 1 through 8 were housed in one large schoolroom, with one teacher, with the front row of seats serving as the “class” that was currently in session. Not all grade levels were necessarily represented every year. The total number of students would typically number 20 to 25. Of course every student in the room was exposed to what was being taught to that front row as well as their own turn “in class”. While contemporary students (and parents) would consider this to be a primitive and rather unattractive arrangement, Gene and his brother and sister always treasured the days there, and would not trade them for any of the amenities associated with a modern school. All three went on to receive scholarships and at least master’s degrees from major colleges and universities, suggesting that the education that they received was more than adequate.
Upon the centralization of the school district, Gene and his siblings were transported by bus to Liverpool High School – the old building on Fourth Street in Liverpool Village, still standing but currently up for sale.
Gene graduated from Liverpool High School and then went on to attend and graduate from Syracuse University and subsequently attained a teaching certificate. He became a teacher at the G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton NY, with a special interest in teaching students with varying degrees of learning disabilities where Gene’s patience and understanding served him well.
When Gene was still a child, he developed a great interest in magic, and set out to learn all that he could about the art of magicians. Throughout his life, he entertained with stage magic and close-up magic for audiences of all ages, in every venue imaginable, from historic theaters to restaurant tables, from schools and libraries to conventions and sidewalks. He was a lifetime member of Ring 74 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (the Salt City Magic Club) including serving as President, and holding other offices in the organization over the years. He was also a member of the Society of American Magicians and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. Even after Gene retired as a teacher in public schools, he continued teaching the art and subtleties of magic through insightful lectures and mentoring. For over half a century, Gene collected books, articles, and memorabilia, visiting shops and attending conventions all over the country in his quest for both new and historic material. His private collection of books on the subject spanned over a thousand volumes, and was considered to be perhaps the most extensive individual collection in the state of New York. It is notable that he had read every one of those books, and developed an encyclopedic knowledge of magic's history and methodology. Among magicians, he was held in high esteem for his eagerness to share his intricate knowledge of the art. Gene was a familiar face in the magic community throughout the northeast, and his love of magic lives on in the hearts and minds of the many, many magicians who were fortunate enough to benefit from his generous help, sage wisdom, and comprehensive expertise. His memory continues in the imaginations of the countless adults and children he entertained.
His passion for magic was only exceeded by his deep Baptist faith, and his selfless volunteerism in many capacities within his membership in the North Syracuse Baptist Church. He brought these two aspects of his life together by performing “Gospel Magic,” in which Biblical teachings are illustrated through memorable illusions and well-turned storytelling. Gene authored a book on the subject, entitled “Mental Magic for Gospel Magicians,” which, while rare in print, is considered a definitive work on the subject.
His involvement with the North Syracuse Baptist Church (NSBC) was extensive and went well beyond his “Gospel Magic”. He spent countless hours every week on church matters such as meeting with visitors to make them feel welcome and acquaint them with church activities. He was a creative trip-planner for many seniors from the NSBC, finding worthwhile new places to go and giving detailed information about each location to encourage folks to participate. He was a member of the technical team that recorded and produced audio/video recordings of NSBC proceedings that were subsequently broadcast on television and radio, and served as program director and/or technical director for the cameramen and planned how to best capture details of dramatic and musical productions.
Gene had a wealth of knowledge of the history of people, places and events. This included having interesting personal experiences and a vast knowledge of places of interest in New York State (he particularly liked waterfalls, many of which were obscure and not widely known). These attributes, combined with the ability of a teacher and storyteller, made it easy for him to make numerous connections and long-time friends. He will be greatly missed by many, including the students, church groups and magicians who made up his very large circle of friends.
The New Comer Funeral Home in North Syracuse is making arrangements. There are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at the North Syracuse Baptist Church on February 14, at 2 PM with reception to follow.
Interment will take place in the spring.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the North Syracuse Baptist Church, 420 S. Main St, Syracuse, NY 13212.
To leave a special message for the family please visit www.NewcomerSyracuse.com
1941 – 2016
Ronald Gene Doane, 74, of Liverpool N.Y. died in St. Joseph’s Hospital on January 23, 2016 following an extended illness. He was the son of William F. and Laura D. (Barr) Doane, also of Liverpool. His sister, Sylvia L. Doane, predeceased him. She was sponsored by the North Syracuse Baptist Church as a missionary in a remote region of Zaire (now the Republic of Congo) in Africa where she spent virtually all of her adult life. Gene leaves his brother, Marshall G. Doane of Belmont MA, who is a retired Emeritus Senior Scientist and Assistant Professor of Biophysics in the Ophthalmology Department at Harvard Medical School.
Gene was born in Syracuse and at age 5 he moved with his family to Morgan Road outside of Liverpool. For most of grade school he attended a one-room schoolhouse (Woodard School), located near the corner of Morgan Road and Buckley Road. This was a small, one-story wooden building with no running water, two attached privies (boys and girls), and heated by a large coal stove in the front corner of the room. A white porcelain bucket and a “dipper” on a shelf at the back of the room provided drinking water. The older boys would keep the bucket full by filling it from a well and hand pump that was located outside.
All grades 1 through 8 were housed in one large schoolroom, with one teacher, with the front row of seats serving as the “class” that was currently in session. Not all grade levels were necessarily represented every year. The total number of students would typically number 20 to 25. Of course every student in the room was exposed to what was being taught to that front row as well as their own turn “in class”. While contemporary students (and parents) would consider this to be a primitive and rather unattractive arrangement, Gene and his brother and sister always treasured the days there, and would not trade them for any of the amenities associated with a modern school. All three went on to receive scholarships and at least master’s degrees from major colleges and universities, suggesting that the education that they received was more than adequate.
Upon the centralization of the school district, Gene and his siblings were transported by bus to Liverpool High School – the old building on Fourth Street in Liverpool Village, still standing but currently up for sale.
Gene graduated from Liverpool High School and then went on to attend and graduate from Syracuse University and subsequently attained a teaching certificate. He became a teacher at the G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton NY, with a special interest in teaching students with varying degrees of learning disabilities where Gene’s patience and understanding served him well.
When Gene was still a child, he developed a great interest in magic, and set out to learn all that he could about the art of magicians. Throughout his life, he entertained with stage magic and close-up magic for audiences of all ages, in every venue imaginable, from historic theaters to restaurant tables, from schools and libraries to conventions and sidewalks. He was a lifetime member of Ring 74 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (the Salt City Magic Club) including serving as President, and holding other offices in the organization over the years. He was also a member of the Society of American Magicians and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. Even after Gene retired as a teacher in public schools, he continued teaching the art and subtleties of magic through insightful lectures and mentoring. For over half a century, Gene collected books, articles, and memorabilia, visiting shops and attending conventions all over the country in his quest for both new and historic material. His private collection of books on the subject spanned over a thousand volumes, and was considered to be perhaps the most extensive individual collection in the state of New York. It is notable that he had read every one of those books, and developed an encyclopedic knowledge of magic's history and methodology. Among magicians, he was held in high esteem for his eagerness to share his intricate knowledge of the art. Gene was a familiar face in the magic community throughout the northeast, and his love of magic lives on in the hearts and minds of the many, many magicians who were fortunate enough to benefit from his generous help, sage wisdom, and comprehensive expertise. His memory continues in the imaginations of the countless adults and children he entertained.
His passion for magic was only exceeded by his deep Baptist faith, and his selfless volunteerism in many capacities within his membership in the North Syracuse Baptist Church. He brought these two aspects of his life together by performing “Gospel Magic,” in which Biblical teachings are illustrated through memorable illusions and well-turned storytelling. Gene authored a book on the subject, entitled “Mental Magic for Gospel Magicians,” which, while rare in print, is considered a definitive work on the subject.
His involvement with the North Syracuse Baptist Church (NSBC) was extensive and went well beyond his “Gospel Magic”. He spent countless hours every week on church matters such as meeting with visitors to make them feel welcome and acquaint them with church activities. He was a creative trip-planner for many seniors from the NSBC, finding worthwhile new places to go and giving detailed information about each location to encourage folks to participate. He was a member of the technical team that recorded and produced audio/video recordings of NSBC proceedings that were subsequently broadcast on television and radio, and served as program director and/or technical director for the cameramen and planned how to best capture details of dramatic and musical productions.
Gene had a wealth of knowledge of the history of people, places and events. This included having interesting personal experiences and a vast knowledge of places of interest in New York State (he particularly liked waterfalls, many of which were obscure and not widely known). These attributes, combined with the ability of a teacher and storyteller, made it easy for him to make numerous connections and long-time friends. He will be greatly missed by many, including the students, church groups and magicians who made up his very large circle of friends.
The New Comer Funeral Home in North Syracuse is making arrangements. There are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at the North Syracuse Baptist Church on February 14, at 2 PM with reception to follow.
Interment will take place in the spring.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the North Syracuse Baptist Church, 420 S. Main St, Syracuse, NY 13212.
To leave a special message for the family please visit www.NewcomerSyracuse.com
Gene Doane
1941 – 2016
Ronald Gene Doane, 74, of Liverpool N.Y. died in St. Joseph’s Hospital on January 23, 2016 following an extended illness. He was the son of William F. and Laura D. (Barr) Doane, also of Liverpool. His sister, Sylvia L. Doane, predeceased him. She was sponsored by the North Syracuse Baptist Church as a missionary in a remote region of Zaire (now the Republic of Congo) in Africa where she spent virtually all of her adult life. Gene leaves his brother, Marshall G. Doane of Belmont MA, who is a retired Emeritus Senior Scientist and Assistant Professor of Biophysics in the Ophthalmology Department at Harvard Medical School.
Gene was born in Syracuse and at age 5 he moved with his family to Morgan Road outside of Liverpool. For most of grade school he attended a one-room schoolhouse (Woodard School), located near the corner of Morgan Road and Buckley Road. This was a small, one-story wooden building with no running water, two attached privies (boys and girls), and heated by a large coal stove in the front corner of the room. A white porcelain bucket and a “dipper” on a shelf at the back of the room provided drinking water. The older boys would keep the bucket full by filling it from a well and hand pump that was located outside.
All grades 1 through 8 were housed in one large schoolroom, with one teacher, with the front row of seats serving as the “class” that was currently in session. Not all grade levels were necessarily represented every year. The total number of students would typically number 20 to 25. Of course every student in the room was exposed to what was being taught to that front row as well as their own turn “in class”. While contemporary students (and parents) would consider this to be a primitive and rather unattractive arrangement, Gene and his brother and sister always treasured the days there, and would not trade them for any of the amenities associated with a modern school. All three went on to receive scholarships and at least master’s degrees from major colleges and universities, suggesting that the education that they received was more than adequate.
Upon the centralization of the school district, Gene and his siblings were transported by bus to Liverpool High School – the old building on Fourth Street in Liverpool Village, still standing but currently up for sale.
Gene graduated from Liverpool High School and then went on to attend and graduate from Syracuse University and subsequently attained a teaching certificate. He became a teacher at the G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton NY, with a special interest in teaching students with varying degrees of learning disabilities where Gene’s patience and understanding served him well.
When Gene was still a child, he developed a great interest in magic, and set out to learn all that he could about the art of magicians. Throughout his life, he entertained with stage magic and close-up magic for audiences of all ages, in every venue imaginable, from historic theaters to restaurant tables, from schools and libraries to conventions and sidewalks. He was a lifetime member of Ring 74 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (the Salt City Magic Club) including serving as President, and holding other offices in the organization over the years. He was also a member of the Society of American Magicians and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. Even after Gene retired as a teacher in public schools, he continued teaching the art and subtleties of magic through insightful lectures and mentoring. For over half a century, Gene collected books, articles, and memorabilia, visiting shops and attending conventions all over the country in his quest for both new and historic material. His private collection of books on the subject spanned over a thousand volumes, and was considered to be perhaps the most extensive individual collection in the state of New York. It is notable that he had read every one of those books, and developed an encyclopedic knowledge of magic's history and methodology. Among magicians, he was held in high esteem for his eagerness to share his intricate knowledge of the art. Gene was a familiar face in the magic community throughout the northeast, and his love of magic lives on in the hearts and minds of the many, many magicians who were fortunate enough to benefit from his generous help, sage wisdom, and comprehensive expertise. His memory continues in the imaginations of the countless adults and children he entertained.
His passion for magic was only exceeded by his deep Baptist faith, and his selfless volunteerism in many capacities within his membership in the North Syracuse Baptist Church. He brought these two aspects of his life together by performing “Gospel Magic,” in which Biblical teachings are illustrated through memorable illusions and well-turned storytelling. Gene authored a book on the subject, entitled “Mental Magic for Gospel Magicians,” which, while rare in print, is considered a definitive work on the subject.
His involvement with the North Syracuse Baptist Church (NSBC) was extensive and went well beyond his “Gospel Magic”. He spent countless hours every week on church matters such as meeting with visitors to make them feel welcome and acquaint them with church activities. He was a creative trip-planner for many seniors from the NSBC, finding worthwhile new places to go and giving detailed information about each location to encourage folks to participate. He was a member of the technical team that recorded and produced audio/video recordings of NSBC proceedings that were subsequently broadcast on television and radio, and served as program director and/or technical director for the cameramen and planned how to best capture details of dramatic and musical productions.
Gene had a wealth of knowledge of the history of people, places and events. This included having interesting personal experiences and a vast knowledge of places of interest in New York State (he particularly liked waterfalls, many of which were obscure and not widely known). These attributes, combined with the ability of a teacher and storyteller, made it easy for him to make numerous connections and long-time friends. He will be greatly missed by many, including the students, church groups and magicians who made up his very large circle of friends.
The New Comer Funeral Home in North Syracuse is making arrangements. There are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at the North Syracuse Baptist Church on February 14, at 2 PM with reception to follow.
Interment will take place in the spring.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the North Syracuse Baptist Church, 420 S. Main St, Syracuse, NY 13212.
To leave a special message for the family please visit www.NewcomerSyracuse.com
1941 – 2016
Ronald Gene Doane, 74, of Liverpool N.Y. died in St. Joseph’s Hospital on January 23, 2016 following an extended illness. He was the son of William F. and Laura D. (Barr) Doane, also of Liverpool. His sister, Sylvia L. Doane, predeceased him. She was sponsored by the North Syracuse Baptist Church as a missionary in a remote region of Zaire (now the Republic of Congo) in Africa where she spent virtually all of her adult life. Gene leaves his brother, Marshall G. Doane of Belmont MA, who is a retired Emeritus Senior Scientist and Assistant Professor of Biophysics in the Ophthalmology Department at Harvard Medical School.
Gene was born in Syracuse and at age 5 he moved with his family to Morgan Road outside of Liverpool. For most of grade school he attended a one-room schoolhouse (Woodard School), located near the corner of Morgan Road and Buckley Road. This was a small, one-story wooden building with no running water, two attached privies (boys and girls), and heated by a large coal stove in the front corner of the room. A white porcelain bucket and a “dipper” on a shelf at the back of the room provided drinking water. The older boys would keep the bucket full by filling it from a well and hand pump that was located outside.
All grades 1 through 8 were housed in one large schoolroom, with one teacher, with the front row of seats serving as the “class” that was currently in session. Not all grade levels were necessarily represented every year. The total number of students would typically number 20 to 25. Of course every student in the room was exposed to what was being taught to that front row as well as their own turn “in class”. While contemporary students (and parents) would consider this to be a primitive and rather unattractive arrangement, Gene and his brother and sister always treasured the days there, and would not trade them for any of the amenities associated with a modern school. All three went on to receive scholarships and at least master’s degrees from major colleges and universities, suggesting that the education that they received was more than adequate.
Upon the centralization of the school district, Gene and his siblings were transported by bus to Liverpool High School – the old building on Fourth Street in Liverpool Village, still standing but currently up for sale.
Gene graduated from Liverpool High School and then went on to attend and graduate from Syracuse University and subsequently attained a teaching certificate. He became a teacher at the G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton NY, with a special interest in teaching students with varying degrees of learning disabilities where Gene’s patience and understanding served him well.
When Gene was still a child, he developed a great interest in magic, and set out to learn all that he could about the art of magicians. Throughout his life, he entertained with stage magic and close-up magic for audiences of all ages, in every venue imaginable, from historic theaters to restaurant tables, from schools and libraries to conventions and sidewalks. He was a lifetime member of Ring 74 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (the Salt City Magic Club) including serving as President, and holding other offices in the organization over the years. He was also a member of the Society of American Magicians and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians. Even after Gene retired as a teacher in public schools, he continued teaching the art and subtleties of magic through insightful lectures and mentoring. For over half a century, Gene collected books, articles, and memorabilia, visiting shops and attending conventions all over the country in his quest for both new and historic material. His private collection of books on the subject spanned over a thousand volumes, and was considered to be perhaps the most extensive individual collection in the state of New York. It is notable that he had read every one of those books, and developed an encyclopedic knowledge of magic's history and methodology. Among magicians, he was held in high esteem for his eagerness to share his intricate knowledge of the art. Gene was a familiar face in the magic community throughout the northeast, and his love of magic lives on in the hearts and minds of the many, many magicians who were fortunate enough to benefit from his generous help, sage wisdom, and comprehensive expertise. His memory continues in the imaginations of the countless adults and children he entertained.
His passion for magic was only exceeded by his deep Baptist faith, and his selfless volunteerism in many capacities within his membership in the North Syracuse Baptist Church. He brought these two aspects of his life together by performing “Gospel Magic,” in which Biblical teachings are illustrated through memorable illusions and well-turned storytelling. Gene authored a book on the subject, entitled “Mental Magic for Gospel Magicians,” which, while rare in print, is considered a definitive work on the subject.
His involvement with the North Syracuse Baptist Church (NSBC) was extensive and went well beyond his “Gospel Magic”. He spent countless hours every week on church matters such as meeting with visitors to make them feel welcome and acquaint them with church activities. He was a creative trip-planner for many seniors from the NSBC, finding worthwhile new places to go and giving detailed information about each location to encourage folks to participate. He was a member of the technical team that recorded and produced audio/video recordings of NSBC proceedings that were subsequently broadcast on television and radio, and served as program director and/or technical director for the cameramen and planned how to best capture details of dramatic and musical productions.
Gene had a wealth of knowledge of the history of people, places and events. This included having interesting personal experiences and a vast knowledge of places of interest in New York State (he particularly liked waterfalls, many of which were obscure and not widely known). These attributes, combined with the ability of a teacher and storyteller, made it easy for him to make numerous connections and long-time friends. He will be greatly missed by many, including the students, church groups and magicians who made up his very large circle of friends.
The New Comer Funeral Home in North Syracuse is making arrangements. There are no visiting hours. A memorial service will be held at the North Syracuse Baptist Church on February 14, at 2 PM with reception to follow.
Interment will take place in the spring.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the North Syracuse Baptist Church, 420 S. Main St, Syracuse, NY 13212.
To leave a special message for the family please visit www.NewcomerSyracuse.com
Services & Gatherings
Service
Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 2:00 PM
North Syracuse Baptist Church, 420 S. Main St, North Syracuse, NY 13212
New Comer Funeral Home (315-214-0400) is assisting the family
New Comer Funeral Home (315-214-0400) is assisting the family