Gene R. Safir
Age 72, of East Lansing, MI, passed away October 15, 2016. He was born January 7, 1944, in Bronx, NY, to Abram and June Safir.
Gene received his bachelor’s degree from Bates College, and his master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He was a professor at Michigan State University in the College of Natural Science, Botany and Plant Pathology Department. He retired in 2009.
Gene was an avid family man. He loved his pets, drinking wine, and reading.
He is survived by his wife, Colleen O’Keefe-Safir; children, Joel, Gary, and Rory Safir; granddaughter, Alexis Safir; uncle, Sepp Safir; and his cousins.
His family would like to thank Diane Fuhr with Great Lakes Caring Hospice, along with Cindy Serrels-Ryan, Kim Ward and Satira Miles for their care and support over the last few years, as well as George Tiedgen with Seniors Helping Seniors.
Per Gene’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brain Support Network, P.O. Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026. www.brainsupportnetwork.org
3 Messages to “Gene R. Safir”
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Ellyn Otterson
October 18, 2016 at 5:14 pmI am sending condolences and hugs from Rory (MY Rory), Teddy, Casper and Linus and then, your old Auntie, Colleen. Gene seems to have a good life and for that, up until the past few years, not quite as good. I know you did everything you could to make his last days on this earth as pleasurable for him as possible. Lots of love, Aunt Ellyn and the “Gang” and my Rory!
Helen Maffei
March 6, 2021 at 3:25 pmColleen, Helen Maffei here. I just saw that Gene passed away wow, 4 years ago,. II am shocked and saddened by what has happened, he was not all that old. I assume he had cancer. My condolences for your loss. He was a good friend and wonderful professor to me and I remember him with great fondness and gratitude. He made an excellent choice when he married you, was proud of you and your many accomplishments which he told me about when we spoke a 8 years ago. I remember staying at your house and drinking the wonderful wine from your grand traverse vineyard all those years ago. I hope you are doing well and healing in these troubled times and that the future will be kind to you.
Colleen O'Keefe-Safir
May 10, 2023 at 2:30 pmThanks for the kind words. Gene always spoke highly of you. I hope you are doing well. Gene died of a disease called progressive Supranuclear palsy (PSP). It is a rare disease. He is missed.