Obituary of Eugene Brian Beery

Eugene (Gene) Brian Beery, of Sutter Creek, California, passed away November 19, 2023, in Jackson, California, at the age of 86. He was born on October 13, 1937, in Racine, Wisconsin to Eugene and Bernice Beery.

 

 

He attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the Layton School of Art, where he took coursework in industrial design. In 1959 he moved to New York and got a job at The Museum of Modern Art as a gallery attendant, where he met the artist Sol LeWitt, who also worked there. LeWitt became a lifelong friend and his greatest supporter. While working at MoMA, Gene was accepted into an exhibition - allowing him the rather unique opportunity to guard his own painting. After moving back to Racine, he met Florence Merritt. They later married in California and settled in the Bay Area, where Gene worked as a taxi driver – an occupation that gave him the opportunity to meet a number of famous individuals.

 

In 1978, Gene & Florence moved to Sutter Creek and built a house and art studio next door to Bernice. He enjoyed a simple life in the foothills, full of the nature with which he was so intimately and studiously acquainted. His new occupation as a gardener was a welcome contrast from driving a cab in the city. Nature provided him with both inspiration and resources for his art. Later in life, he enjoyed much success, in particular among a younger generation who appreciated his creativity and wit in books and paintings. He is currently represented by Parker Gallery in Los Angeles and Derosia Gallery in New York.

 

 

Gene is survived by his children: Elizabeth Lundgren (John), James Nelson (Amy), Mary Monson (Matt), Teresa James, and Pamela Danielson (Tim). His grandchildren: Gloria Morrissette, Michelle Kuester, Matthew Monson, Eric Lundgren, Paul Lundgren, Sam Lundgren, Ben Lundgren, Jeff Smith, Daniel Smith, Stefanie McCann, Faith Perano, William Danielson, Levi Danielson, Alyona James, and Alexander James. And many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Merritt Beery, parents, Eugene and Bernice Beery, and brother, John Thomas Beery.

 

 

Gene lead by example. His respect for this world, nature, and life was evident in both the big things and the small things. He contemplated life deeply and enjoyed it to the fullest, and his zest for life was rich until the end! His legacy is unmatched and will remain with everyone who knew him; both through his art and how he lived his life. We will love him and miss him forever. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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