Gene Blakie Tassie

Gene Blakie Tassie

February 22, 1939 – August 26, 2026

Gene Blakie Tassie, age 87, surrounded by his family at home, left us on August 26, 2026. Alzheimer’s disease took his memories over ten years, but never his spirit.

Born to John William (Donald) Tassie and L’Jane Robbins Tassie in Royal Oak, MI, Gene grew up in St. Clair, MI, until his family moved to Somerset, KY, when he was a junior. He graduated Somerset High School in 1957, where the “new kid from the north” caught the eye of Barbara Starkey, whom he married in 1958. Quick and agile on the football field, he impressed Centre College of Kentucky’s coaches, graduating a proud Centre Colonel in 1961, a double major in chemistry and physics.

He moved his family often between 1961 and 1969 as his career advanced, until settling in Union City, MI where he and Barb would reside for almost 50 years. Inspired by his father, a private business owner, Gene founded Union City Industries in 1972, an industrial chemical supplier to automotive, appliance, and other industries. Under his tenacious determination and vision, UCI became a vital local employer. Education was always a priority to Gene, investing in his employees as a mentor, and funding a tuition program that helped several employees earn degrees. At his disease’s onset, Gene stepped back — trusting his son-in-law and nephew to carry on his life’s work.

Gene served his community through the Rotary Club, Jaycees, Branch County Mental Health Board, and two terms as Village Council president.

Outside of work his passions were many: flying airplanes, horses, athletics, home projects and competing in anything that kept score. He played fast-pitch softball, handball, racquetball, water- and snow-skied, and battled his nemesis, golf. He and his daughter shared a love for horses to show and ride while becoming an expert at digging fencing post holes! There was no problem he could not solve in work or pleasure, and his talents were endless. He was chemist, carpenter, electrician, plumber, landscaper, painter, tiler — and he was just as likely to be working on his kids’ houses as his own.

Gene’s generosity was boundless — money, advice, a favor, he was always available and accountable. A man of principle and honor whose word was a guarantee, he did not judge others and had a short memory for those who wronged him. Life with Gene was an adventure, as anyone who knew him could attest; gentle, kind, and patient, he drew people to him and loved sharing new experiences with all.

Most importantly, Gene loved his family and worked tirelessly as a provider, husband, father and grandfather bringing joy and light to their lives.

Gene leaves behind his devoted wife of 67 years, Barbara; daughters Leslie (Bill) Schley, Robin (Tom) Blank, and Susan (Eric) Elgan; seven grandchildren, Sarah, Meghan, Elizabeth, Lauren, Emma, Andrew, and Connor; two great-grandchildren, Hazel and Mitchell, siblings Donald (Tuey), Emily (Martin) Chard, and William (Renee) along with many nieces and nephews, and his beloved lap-friend, Herbie the tabby cat.

A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Union City, MI, followed by a Celebration of Life dinner. All are welcome to gather and join:

3:30 PM Funeral Service, First Congregational Church,

Paster Aaron Rieder officiating 410 N. Broadway, Union City, MI 49094

5:30 PM Celebration of Life Dinner, The Showroom

M-60, Union City, MI 49094

Memorial gifts may go to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503, https://hospicelc.org/donate/ or The Somerset-Pulaski County Humane Society, 179 Chris Way, Somerset, KY 42501, www.bhumane.org