R.I.P. Gene McCullough

[jmcarp]

Well-known Camino personage Gene McCullough passed away as a result of a bicycle accident on September 5th in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. Below is the memorial announcement from the Colorado Front Range Chapter of the American Pilgrims on the Camino.

A celebration of life held in memoriam of Gene on Saturday the 11th of September 2021 at the Colorado History Museum on 12th Ave and Broadway in Denver. A continental breakfast and beverage service will be provided. Door’s open at 9:30 on the west entrance to the museum, the memorial will begin at 10:00am and proceed until approximately 1:00pm. More specific details for the memorial events and schedule may be found at the memorial website for Gene at the following link: https://bit.ly/3jWNodo.

In Memoriam: Gene McCullough, Pilgrim and Renaissance Man! Gene McCullough died on Sunday, September 5, 2021. He was doing what he loved---biking and exploring the neighborhoods of Denver, CO. At this time, we do not know any specifics about what happened….he was on a bike trail---so the family is still trying to sort out the circumstances….. Gene was active with the American Pilgrims on the Camino since the first time he and Rosann visited the group at one of their National Gatherings that was held in Boulder, CO, in 2006. And after participating in this Gathering, he and Rosann jumped right in volunteering with the Organization. In those early days, they even ‘hand-processed’ the Pilgrim Credential requests until the requests grew in number to almost 7,000 requests a year--and Gene was still involved even up until his death with the automated Credential Request process. They also formed the Colorado Front Range Chapter of the American Pilgrims on the Camino. Gene also continued to be active with the maintenance of the American Pilgrims Website. He and Rosann served as Hospitaleros at Albergue Guacelmo in Rabanal del Camino several times, at the Zamora Albergue and at the Pilgrims Office in Santiago. He and Rosann were awarded the American Pilgrims Lifetime Service Award at the National Gathering in 2017. Of course, we all have known Gene through all of the wonderful things he does for the Colorado Front Range Chapter of the American Pilgrims on the Camino. Gene was truly the Heart and Soul of our Chapter, and the Brains and the Voice of our Chapter! He loved to share his knowledge of the Camino with others. And he loved coordinating our events and our hikes. Some of his favorites were the hikes over 10,000’, the winter snowshoe/cross-country ski ‘hike’ and the Highline Canal hike to Fairmont Cemetery and walking around to ‘visit the residents’! Another favorite was planning an overnight trip to a 10th Mountain Hut. In fact, he had planned to lead a group to Uncle Bud’s Hut in the next couple of weeks. Gene and Rosann also hosted for several years a Spanish Paella meal at their home. He loved giving talks at REI teaching people about the Camino--and shared his PowerPoints with other Chapters. Another favorite that he developed was the ‘Formal’ Shell Ceremony the Chapter held once a year--and the many ‘Informal’ Shell Ceremonies that we had on our hikes or St. James Day Picnic. But as if all of his work with the National organization and our Colorado Chapter was not enough----he was also very involved with volunteering with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) and St. Martin’s Chamber Choir. Every week, one could find Gene at the DMNS eagerly sharing his knowledge with visitors--recently he told me how he loved to show visitors where in Colorado and the Denver area in particular, where dinosaur fossils/bones were discovered. Gene also worked with St. Martin’s Choir on a Camino performance. And did you know that Gene even has a Wikipedia article! Whenever we carpooled to a hike, he always had on KVOD, 88.1! Gene didn’t really share his accomplishments--he was a humble and gentle person--a caring and gentle soul. He truly epitomizes a Pilgrim and Hospitalero! Gene will be missed by us all so very much. Memorials can be made in his name to: The American Pilgrims on the Camino www.americanpilgrims.org The St. Martin’s Chamber Choir www.stmartinschamberchoir.org

 

[Mournes]

Well-known Camino personage Gene McCullough passed away as a result of a bicycle accident on September 5th in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. Below is the memorial announcement from the Colorado Front Range Chapter of the American Pilgrims on the Camino.

A celebration of life held in memoriam of Gene on Saturday the 11th of September 2021 at the Colorado History Museum on 12th Ave and Broadway in Denver. A continental breakfast and beverage service will be provided. Door’s open at 9:30 on the west entrance to the museum, the memorial will begin at 10:00am and proceed until approximately 1:00pm. More specific details for the memorial events and schedule may be found at the memorial website for Gene at the following link: https://bit.ly/3jWNodo.

In Memoriam: Gene McCullough, Pilgrim and Renaissance Man! Gene McCullough died on Sunday, September 5, 2021. He was doing what he loved---biking and exploring the neighborhoods of Denver, CO. At this time, we do not know any specifics about what happened….he was on a bike trail---so the family is still trying to sort out the circumstances….. Gene was active with the American Pilgrims on the Camino since the first time he and Rosann visited the group at one of their National Gatherings that was held in Boulder, CO, in 2006. And after participating in this Gathering, he and Rosann jumped right in volunteering with the Organization. In those early days, they even ‘hand-processed’ the Pilgrim Credential requests until the requests grew in number to almost 7,000 requests a year--and Gene was still involved even up until his death with the automated Credential Request process. They also formed the Colorado Front Range Chapter of the American Pilgrims on the Camino. Gene also continued to be active with the maintenance of the American Pilgrims Website. He and Rosann served as Hospitaleros at Albergue Guacelmo in Rabanal del Camino several times, at the Zamora Albergue and at the Pilgrims Office in Santiago. He and Rosann were awarded the American Pilgrims Lifetime Service Award at the National Gathering in 2017. Of course, we all have known Gene through all of the wonderful things he does for the Colorado Front Range Chapter of the American Pilgrims on the Camino. Gene was truly the Heart and Soul of our Chapter, and the Brains and the Voice of our Chapter! He loved to share his knowledge of the Camino with others. And he loved coordinating our events and our hikes. Some of his favorites were the hikes over 10,000’, the winter snowshoe/cross-country ski ‘hike’ and the Highline Canal hike to Fairmont Cemetery and walking around to ‘visit the residents’! Another favorite was planning an overnight trip to a 10th Mountain Hut. In fact, he had planned to lead a group to Uncle Bud’s Hut in the next couple of weeks. Gene and Rosann also hosted for several years a Spanish Paella meal at their home. He loved giving talks at REI teaching people about the Camino--and shared his PowerPoints with other Chapters. Another favorite that he developed was the ‘Formal’ Shell Ceremony the Chapter held once a year--and the many ‘Informal’ Shell Ceremonies that we had on our hikes or St. James Day Picnic. But as if all of his work with the National organization and our Colorado Chapter was not enough----he was also very involved with volunteering with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) and St. Martin’s Chamber Choir. Every week, one could find Gene at the DMNS eagerly sharing his knowledge with visitors--recently he told me how he loved to show visitors where in Colorado and the Denver area in particular, where dinosaur fossils/bones were discovered. Gene also worked with St. Martin’s Choir on a Camino performance. And did you know that Gene even has a Wikipedia article! Whenever we carpooled to a hike, he always had on KVOD, 88.1! Gene didn’t really share his accomplishments--he was a humble and gentle person--a caring and gentle soul. He truly epitomizes a Pilgrim and Hospitalero! Gene will be missed by us all so very much. Memorials can be made in his name to: The American Pilgrims on the Camino www.americanpilgrims.org The St. Martin’s Chamber Choir www.stmartinschamberchoir.org

So sad to hear of Gene's tragic death.I had the privilege of meeting him and his wife Rosann at Guacelmo ,Rabanal del Camino in 2012 where I was a volunteer.
Gene and Rosann followed us at the end of our 2 week period.
Such a beautiful tribute by the Colorado Front Range Chapter ,so richly merited.
Sincere condolences to his wife Rosann and his family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
God bless.

 

[Cayou]

Wow! I think we all benefited from Gene even if we had never met. Thanks for sharing this tribute.

 

[naplesdon]

Very moving tribute to an outstanding man and fortunately a fellow pilgrim

 

[MaineSally]

May all the wonderful memories of Gene sustain his family, friends, and admirers. Sounds like he was immersed in so many activities…actively engaged, accomplishing lots, and touching lives in a meaningful way! So sorry I never had the privilege to meet him, but grateful for you all on this forum for what you contribute and impart.

 

[VNwalking]

It is especially sad to lose such a good human being suddenly and too soon. May his family be surrounded by love in this difficult time

 

[Annetom]

So sorry to hear this news. Will pray for gene at mass on Sunday in Malta.
R.I.P.GENE

 

[JennyH94]

I send my condolences to Gene’s family, friends and members of APOC at this sad time.
Warm wishes to all -
Jenny

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

I met Gene and Rosann at Rabanal on my first camino in 2011. Gene was also the person who guided us through the process of starting the Boston Chapter of APOC, the first chapter east of the Mississippi River! Thoughts for Gene, Rosann, and family.

 

[shefollowsshells]

Heartbreaking news! A pilgrim’s pilgrim , there is no doubt!

 

[Anniesantiago]

So sorry to hear this news.
My condolences to the family.
RIP Pilgrim.

 

[dailycamino]

Buen camino Gene