Eugene Robert Maly, age 71, of Kentwood, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 21, 2022. He was a beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa/Papa, friend and mentor to many. He was a generous man, willing to share his time, wisdom and humor. First and foremost, Gene loved being with his family. His personality and smile filled the room. He retired after 30 years from Amway as a Principal Research Scientist, which concluded his illustrious 43 year career. This gave him the opportunity to nurture many lifelong friendships. He also loved traveling all over the world, creating home improvement projects and keeping busy, even in retirement, by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Janine; children: Brie and Matt Carlson, Joe and Jane Maly, Bekah Maly, Dan Maly; grandchildren: Eme Carlson, Gabe Carlson, Elise Maly, Ford Maly, Everett Maly, Rowan Maly; siblings: Paul and Dee Maly, Dr. Marji Prefontaine, Ginger Maly; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter J. and Evelyn Maly. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 29, 2022 at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 1253 52nd St. SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Peter Vu presiding. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Memorial Visitation
Monday, August 29
10:00am - 11:00am
St. Mary Magdalen Church
1253 52nd Street SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
Memorial Service
Monday, August 29
11:00am
St. Mary Magdalen Church
1253 52nd Street SE
Kentwood, MI 49508
Leave Your Tribute Message
September 01, 2022 10:32am
We have lost a spot of light with the passing of my friend and co-worker, Gene. Thirty years ago Gene and I started at Amway in the same department within 4 mo of each other. Last fall we retired within 2 months of each other. I never knew a day on the job without Gene. He was my teacher, mentor and friend. He always made himself available and it was always with a positive outlook even when problems arose. He was an independent thinker but a good listener who encouraged others to contribute; he was everyone’s cheerleader and loved watching people succeed. Gene was an amazing scientist who had a practical, common sense approach to his work. He was business-minded and was everyone’s go-to guy. He took things seriously but not too much and his sense of humor and large laugh is forever in my mind. Ha ha. I am blessed and grateful for the time we spent together.
He loved his family! He was a story teller and he was wise. He didn’t leave anything on the table. He lived life big and walked-the-talk.
Rest In Peace, GRM. ❤️
- KaLee Dahlin
August 29, 2022 6:21am
Mr. Maly was always very kind and cared for me and asked about me when my father passed away a few years ago. I’ll never forget the dad joke he made about my 18 pound little dog being on a leash for a dog waaay bigger than him. So much love to the Maly family, my heart and prayers are with you all. May his memory remain a light to so many. I am deeply sorry for your loss. - Myndi Schmid
- Myndi Schmid
August 28, 2022 4:15pm
Dear Janine and family,
It was our extreme pleasure to know Gene all of these years as a neighbor and good friend. Gene’s kindness and generosity touched us deeply in our time of need. I know he shared his love of life and positivity with everyone who came into his circle. Gene inspired me with his determination and faith as he faced cancer. He knew the prayers holding him up (as well as you Janine) were real and gave him hope. Jim and I will miss him and his big grin. We will never forget.
Lori and Jim
- Lori Lundy
August 25, 2022 8:40am
I am saddened by this news and give my deepest condolences on your loss. The world lost a wonderful human being! I will always remember Gene for his kindness, compassion, sense of curiosity and humor! He was always positive, up lifting and inviting! I’ll never forget him welcoming us to Amway and having us over for dinner. His passion for Blue Star Mother’s and respect for all. Gene left an indelible mark on the world with his love for family, friends and his career! You will be missed my friend! Rest In Peace!
- Dan Zevchik
August 24, 2022 8:54am
The world lost one of its brightest lights this week. Gene was one of my favorite co-workers. He could make me smile on the worst days and always left me feeling grateful for his friendship. I will never forget an IBO event in Portland, OR where he was treated like a celebrity by the attendees. He will be missed by so many! Hugs to you, Janine, you were his perfect soulmate!
- Lori Ware
August 24, 2022 8:53am
The world lost one of its brightest lights this week. Gene was one of my favorite co-workers. He could make me smile on the worst days and always left me feeling grateful for his friendship. I will never forget an IBO event in Portland, OR where he was treated like a celebrity by the attendees. He will be missed by so many! Hugs to you, Janine, you were his perfect soulmate!
- Lori Ware
August 23, 2022 2:02pm
I am very sorry for the loss of dear Gene. Gene was a long-term very good friend and colleague. Gene is, in addition to a *par excellence* food scientist, a people and family person. He was a good listener and talker. Generally, he always seemed to be in a good mood, and always has a positive attitude. I feel that he was family - part of the Sandoz R&D family and then the Amway Foods Lab family. I will miss our conversations and his laugh. Rest in peace my dear friend Gene. -Rodney & Christie
- Rodney Johnson
August 23, 2022 11:45am
Our sincere condolences to you Janine, and your entire family. Gene was an exceptional person with a quick wit and keen sense of humor. He always had an engaging smile, loud laugh and time to shoot the breeze in the driveway. We'll miss his friendly spirit and ever-present kindness. Our best wishes to the entire Maly family during this difficult time.
- Jim & Joan Blodgett
August 23, 2022 11:19am
I am very sorry for your loss, and wish you all the best as you heal. Gene and I worked together for several years and I was always inspired by his sense of wonder and exploration when it came to discovering new things. Gene possessed a sense curiosity I wanted to replicate in others with whom we worked. Gene’s passion for creating and exploring new ideas, and his relentless pursuit of leaning further into them to learn more about how the world worked is an attribute of his I greatly respected.
- Greg Cherney
August 23, 2022 11:08am
I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Gene was my best friend, and I will miss him immensely. It gives me solace to realize in the many years I’ve known him, he never tarried. When I think of all the things he did, it was like he lived 142 years. And in those 142 years, Gene gave much more than he ever took from this world. Rest in peace Gene.
- Troy Nietling
August 23, 2022 9:24am
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Know you are in my prayers. May God bless you.
- Audrey Ballweg
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