My dad, Gene Adler Cohn passed away the evening of Monday, December 12, 2022 at the age of 81 in his home in San Francisco, CA with his wife of 35+ years, Jill Cohn. Dad said that no one ever made mom as mad as he did. But she said, "No one ever made me feel as loved." His son, Ben, is currently pursuing a doctoral degree and though Gene liked to joke that the apple did indeed fall far from the tree, it most certainly does not.

He was born to Kay Cohn and Ruth Adler in Chicago in 1941, grew up in South Bend, IN and graduated from South Bend Central HS. He loved his sister Carol, nieces, nephews, and cousins on both sides of the family and of course his great-niece, Gracie. His friends, who are also family, are too many to list.

He was in the army, sold insurance, drove a taxi and even owned a bar/nightclub. However, for the last 40 years, Gene has helped thousands of people celebrate special moments and loved ones by sharing his gift of photography.

On a trip, to the top of Vernal Falls in Yosemite, he was once recognized by a stranger, "Hey, aren't you Gene Cohn?" Because of course he was. Everyone knew Gene. This has become even more evident after his passing as messages from all over the world pour in with similar sentiments. He brought joy, laughter and smiles to so many of us. He provided the most cherished items we own in portraits that adorn our walls for decades. His love for life was palpable and we all felt it.

Gene was clever. That was immediately apparent to anyone who spoke with him. But he was also genuinely himself 100% of the time. Loved ones always said that he spoke with a 5-year-old the same way he would with the President of the United States. He only knew how to be himself.

He was also still so interested in learning. (He followed the news incessantly. He kept stacks of books on his bedside table and dresser and office desk.) This curiosity went far beyond when his status as an old man may have given him permission to be set in his ways. After all, you don't live as long as he did without being right.

You can contact Jill at mdsjill@yahoo.com and Ben at cohn13@yahoo.com. If you feel so inclined, supporting any arts programs or justice-related causes would be appropriate ways to honor Gene's memory.

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