BAJA CALIFORNIA, Mexico - Eugene Joseph Simoneau II, 58, died unexpectedly on July 23, 2005 while in Mexico. He was born in Portland on Jan. 11, 1947, and attended Portland schools, graduating from Portland High School in 1964. While in high school he joined the Naval Reserve and upon graduating went into active service. Among various duties while in the Navy, Gene was stationed on the USS Fremont, the USS Coronado and was stationed in the Persian Gulf from 1983 through 1987 then taught communication service devices in Norfolk, Va., and Washington, D.C., until his retirement in 1992. His Navy career has given him the opportunity to see the world many times over and to indulge in his love for electronic technology. In Gene's younger days he was a very talented singer and guitarist. He was an avid cribbage player and a classic movie buff. He had a sharp and witty sense of humor. Upon retiring form the service he settled in Portland with his friends and family. After several years he moved to San Diego for the warmer weather and veteran's facilities. Gene resided at the Pickwick Hotel in San Diego for four and a half years. He made many good and kind friends, among them being Steve McHugh who became part of our extended family. Our thanks go out to those in San Diego who knew and cared for Gene so well. Eugene is predeceased by his father, Eugene Arthur, and mother, Elaine June (Farr) Simoneau. He is survived by two brothers, Arthur and Tracy of Saco; and two sisters, Renee Wright and Julia Ball of Portland. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Burial will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Augusta on Monday Oct. 24, at 12 p.m. Anyone wishing to may leave a message by signing the guestbook at Portland Press Herald online.