We sorrowfully announce the passing of Mr. Gene Arthur Karas, a respected educator, friend, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Gene passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024 at the Golden Home in San Rafael. Gene lived a fulfilling life filled with family, friends, love, and relentless dedication to education and helping others. By far, one of the great men of our generation.

Gene is survived by his sons, Dan & David Karas, his Daughter, Alexandra Spencer, his Granddaughters, Casey Lambert and Camilla, his Grandson, Jeffrey Karas, and Great-Granddaughter, Gianna (4). He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ruth Karas, whom he dearly missed.

Gene was born July 2, 1931 and grew up in Thornton, Colorado. He married his wife Ruth on December 15, 1950 at the age of 19. He served in the U.S Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in New Mexico.

He used his GI Bill to obtain his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Secondary Education from Colorado Teachers College (later renamed the University of Northern Colorado) in Greeley, Colorado. He specialized in Industrial Arts.  He taught and coached basketball in Thornton until moving in 1967 to Wheaton, Illinois where he taught at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellen, Illinois. He not only taught Industrial Arts, but began what would be his lasting legacy of helping students pursue vocational opportunities rather than attending college.

In 1977 he and his family moved to San Rafael, California.  He became very active in VICA (Vocational Institute of California - now known as SkillsUSA).  Leadership and careers in vocational education is the goal of this organization.  They hold competitions throughout the state and Gene took his students to all of them. Gene always found ways for his students to raise money to attend national competitions and he traveled with them.  He taught at El Molino HS in Forestville, CA for 2 years and Analy High School in Sebastopol for another 6 years. A staffing and curriculum change took him to Petaluma HS in where he taught until retirement at 87 years old, serving schools and students for over 50 years.

His commitment to vocational education led him to become involved in the North Coast Builders Exchange in Santa Rosa, CA; an organization of contractors. He would bring into these professional contractors into his classroom to talk and assist students in their various trade skills.  He was eventually inducted into their Hall of Fame, one of his numerous awards he was bestowed with throughout his career.

After retirement, he learned about the Matthew Turner Educational Tall Ship in Sausalito and worked tirelessly with many volunteers to build this wooden sailing ship that would take students out into the bay to learn about the San Francisco ecosystem.  Starting with a donation of trees (and included replacing those trees with seedlings), it took over 5 years to complete. Gene would be there during construction and eventually became an ambassador and tour guide for the ship called, The “Call of the Sea.”

Gene held a lifelong passion for the essential skills and education that drive our society forward. He believed strongly in the power of education and spent much of his life advocating for it. He was a beloved figure in his community and this cause, and he will be profoundly missed.

Gene had a zest for life that was reflected in his personal tastes. Never in your life will you witness anything more sensational than watching Gene on the big stage, dancing his heart out with the Don't Quit Your Day Job Dancers, which he was a member for over 20 years. A die-hard fan of the Golden State Warriors, Gene enjoyed cheering them on, the thrill of the game being one of his favorite pastimes.

In remembrance of Gene's life, a Memorial fund entitled "Gene Karas Memorial" has been set up to honor his legacy and causes he held dear.

Donations can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of… and would be greatly appreciated.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Gene's family and loved ones during this difficult time. His impact, both personal and public, is undeniable, and we mourn the loss of such a kind, genuine, and generous man. His spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who had the privilege to know him.

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