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Edward Gene Covic {br class="hardreturn" /} Edward Gene Covic, 83, passed away October 7, 2015 at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chadron, Neb. to Nick and Marion Covic, Gene was the fourth child among seven siblings. He graduated from Chadron Prep High School and one of his proudest accomplishments was his high school basketball team winning the State Championship in 1950. He was also very proud of obtaining his pilot’s license at the age of 17. In 1951 he enlisted in the Marines serving during the Korean War.{br class="hardreturn" /} He married Bernice Hull in 1955 in Bassett, Neb., and they moved west to Oregon in 1956. They were blessed to have three children, son Ricky and two daughters, Linda and Laura. October 23, 2015 would have marked their 60th anniversary.{br class="hardreturn" /} While living in Nebraska, his future career in excavating was first realized as a heavy-equipment operator. After moving to Medford, Ore. he worked on various construction projects in and around the region such as Diamond Lake Highway, Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou Mountains, the Medco Building,and many more.{br class="hardreturn" /} His determination to launch his own business was realized in 1969, when he started an excavating business. He built a successful company that continued for 33 years, from which he retired at age 70. He worked with many of the local builders in the home construction and commercial building industry. During that time he cultivated many long-standing friendships.{br class="hardreturn" /} In 1988, while working on equipment, Gene suffered a tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. After a long recovery, Gene returned to managing the business and his life from a wheelchair. As anyone who knew him well would attest, his faith in the Lord carried him through the personal challenges he faced after such a traumatic injury. He was never one to ask, "Why me?"; he persevered and moved through life with faith and courage. He often mentored and gave counsel to individuals who had also found their lives changed by paralysis.{br class="hardreturn" /} He enjoyed hunting and taking friends fishing on his boat at Lost Creek Lake. He was an active volunteer in many local groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Valley Wide Churches, Providence Hospital, Youth for Christ, and more. Gene and his family have been members of the First Baptist Church for 44 years during which time he was involved in many different ministries within the church.{br class="hardreturn" /} He is survived by his wife, Bernice of Medford, Ore.; his son, Ricky (Peggy) of Belgrade, Mont.; his daughters, Linda Benedict (Tom), of Fox Island, Wash. and Laura Singletary (Grady) of Medford, Ore.; seven grandchildren, four great-granddaughters, and three sisters. He was preceded in his passing, by his parents, three brothers, and a grandson.{br class="hardreturn" /} A memorial service is planned for 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the First Baptist Church, 649 Crater Lake Avenue, Medford, Ore.{br class="hardreturn" /} Bernice and family would like to thank Asante Hospice Care for their compassionate and kind care. Interment will be at Eagle Point National Cemetery.{br class="hardreturn" /} In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may donate to Grace Christian School or Cascade Christian High School.{br class="hardreturn" /}