In Memoriam: Gene Dale Blackwell

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Gene Blackwell, one of the founding fathers of CRA and Aba Daba Rents. Gene Dale Blackwell entered into Eternal Rest on March 25, 2023. He was 94 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Joe (Trimble), and son, Dale Wayne Blackwell. He is survived by his children Robert (Lisa); Dianne Aspen (Sven); Christine Baxley; daughter-in-law Victoria Blackwell; 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Gene was born in Amarillo, Texas and moved to Los Angeles as a young boy. Gene and Betty met after High School and were married in 1950. After high school Gene began contracting with his father as an Excavating and Earthmoving Contractor installing Gas Stations throughout LA. Gene joined the Navy and became a Sea Bee excavating and earth-moving to construct the air fields at Subic Bay Military Base. Gene loved to play ice hockey and water ski in his younger years. He was very involved in his church and had a servant's heart.  He loved his family, animals and the time living in Gold Beach, OR.

Gene moved his young family to Sacramento in the late 1950's to start a rental center B & D U Rents. Gene was a founding member of the California Rental Association (CRA)  In the 1970's Aba Daba Rents was founded with up to 7 locations. In 1996 Gene and Betty retired to Oregon and continued to travel the country in their travel trailer as well as Europe. 

A memorial celebration will be held privately at a later date.