Longtime Sunset Hill barber Gene George has passed away

We’ve received news from several readers that Gene George, the owner of the Sunset Hill Barber Shop, passed away on Friday. Gene trimmed hair on Sunset Hill for over three decades, and a tribute on the My Ballard Forum tells of his customers’ stories over the years.

Photo courtesy Jen Dynes

Joel Niemeyer emailed to say Gene was, “a classic, the type of barber you just don’t see anymore. He told the worst jokes, that made me laugh so hard. No earrings, or nose rings, or product in his hair… Another small part of Ballard has left us. R.I.P. Gene.”

From neudl, on the forum: “…He gave my son his first haircut, and every haircut for the last nine years. My son always loved getting his haircut by Gene – the cartoons, and a toy or candy at the end. Refuses to go to any other barber. In between corny jokes, Gene would always tell me about his most recent motorcycle trip, flood scares at his house up North, or the latest goings-on with the Sunset Hill business community (or related gossip). I’m glad my son got the experience of the old-school neighborhood barber, and institution that is disappearing all to fast. RIP Gene – I am sure my son is not the only little boy that will miss his monthly haircut from you.”

61st Mama writes: “He gave my son quite a few haircuts over the years and loved to play little tricks when he was young, like turning the chair around when he knew my son was trying to watch Tom & Jerry on the TV, just to see how far his neck would spin before he had to stop looking. Lots of silly jokes and puns. And, yes, the annual Halloween jello shots for adults and big candy bars for kids. He will be missed.”

Mondoman writes: “Another favorite trick of his was sweeping up the hair after a cut “so Boeing could pick it up.” He’d play it totally poker-faced until finally a little kid ( or credulous adult like me!) would ask what they did with it. Build hairplanes, of course!”

Forum member SunsetHillMarauder writes that he was just in for a trim just last week. Donna, another employee at the barber shop, told him she would try to keep the shop going as long as she can. If we learn of public funeral arrangements, we’ll update with the information.

Email us at tips@myballard.com with your stories and memories of Gene.