June 10, 1929 – June 30, 2026
Gene Lee Sisson of Etna, California passed away in Yreka on June 30 at the age of 97.
Gene was born in Florida to Murland “Ben” and Anna Sisson. He was raised in Florida,
Iowa and California, and graduated high school in Placerville.
Gene served two years with the National Guard. He became a talented leather
craftsman and saddler and created intricately carved saddles. He enjoyed riding his
horse, “Rab,” and met Brenda Ratcliff on a trail ride.
He and Brenda married in 1957 and moved to Yreka soon after. He designed and built a
home for his family in Shasta Valley outside Yreka, as well as a home in Scott Valley for
retirement. He worked 34 years with the US Forest Service, 31 of them as a draftsman
in the Engineering Department of the Klamath National Forest.
Gene loved vegetable gardening and planted many trees on his properties. He and
Brenda enjoyed family camping and vacations. He also enjoyed building and flying radio
control airplanes with his sons. He liked a challenge that required problem solving and
seemed to figure out a way to fix almost anything.
Gene was a member of the Yreka United Methodist Church and sang in the church
choir. A highlight was performing the baritone solo in a Christmas performance of
Handel’s Messiah. Gene also enjoyed playing his electric Gibson guitar. One of his
favorite pastimes was jamming with friends. During his early retirement years he sang
baritone with the Siskiyou Gold Barbershop quartet. He was also a long-time member of
the “Wednesday Night Band” at Bob’s Ranch House in Etna. He also formed a trio
called “Moonglow” where he enjoyed arranging old standards and performing for
seniors and other gatherings.
Friends and family knew Gene to be a kind and gentle man, an artist and perfectionist,
often ready with a pun or joke.
Gene is preceded in death by his siblings, Neal, Ord and Ethel (Shepherd), his son,
Brian, and his daughter Corinne. He is survived by his wife Brenda, son Glenn, and
daughter, Denise (Beckhart), seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He
will be deeply missed.
Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.
