Eugene Lewis Croft of Nevada City, California, passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2016. He was born December 12, 1926, in Cromwell, Iowa, the youngest child of Hubert and Mayme Croft. After his father's death, Gene lived with his grandparents on their Iowa farm until he was 12 when he moved to Glendale with his mother and two sisters. During World War II, he served for two years as a meteorologist with the US Navy. He attended Claremont Men's College.

In 1952 he married Alida Babcock and they were blessed with five children, four boys and one girl. In 1968 Gene moved his family to Grass Valley, California where he bought a car dealership. He was a long-time member of the Rancheros Visitadores, where he enjoyed camping, riding horses, and many friends. In 1973, he and Alida were divorced and he relocated to Santa Monica and began a real estate career. He enjoyed collecting antiques and art, loved the beach, and had a passion for playing bridge.

He was preceded in death by Alida, their sons, Eugene, Jr., David, and Kelsey, and his long-time companion, Maggie Edwards. He is survived by his son Alexander (Lynne) Croft and his daughter, Alida (John) Russell; his grandchildren, Lindsey (Blaise) Douros, Benjamin Croft, Hayley Croft, Travis (Kelly) Seolas, and his great-granddaughter, Alida Douros.

During the last two years of his life, he lived with his son and family in Nevada City, where he was surrounded by the love of his grandchildren.

San Gabriel Valley Tribune, June 29, 2016