Eugene 'Gene' F. Darling, 83

Eugene "Gene" F. Darling, 83, of Columbia Falls, passed away Feb. 22, 2025. He was born Nov. 1, 1941, in Columbia Falls, to the late Clare "Bud" Darling and Grace Darling (Green). 

Gene was born and raised in Montana. Professionally, he was a police officer, volunteer firefighter, and ambulance server. He achieved the rank of captain as a volunteer firefighter and was the emergency manager for Los Alamos National Lab. He was always involved in the town and community. During his free time, he enjoyed fishing and camping. Family card games of gin rummy and Yahtzee were frequent. Gene enjoyed photography and documented family vacations and special occasions. He will always be remembered for summer trips to the family cabin at Ashley Lake and his beef stroganoff recipe. 

Gene is survived by daughter, Cathy Trietsch (Dixon); half-brother, Scot Larkin (Stephanie); and sister-in-law, Elaine Countryman. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; grandmother, Ida Green; and stepfather, Hank Larkin. 

A graveside inurnment will be held later in the spring at the Woodlawn Cemetery. To send online condolences, please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.