Rex Allan Gideon

May 16, 1960 - August 14, 2026

Rex Allan Gideon was born in 1960 , to Jerry and LaVerne Gideon. From an early age, Rex was adventurous, curious, and always ready to take on whatever challenge was in front of him. He shared a lifelong passion for motorcycles with his brother, Kirt, and spent many years racing enduro events. One of his favorites was the legendary Wilseyville Hair Scrambles, where his love of competition and the outdoors came together.

At just 14 years old, Rex met the love of his life, Marlene. Their friendship grew into something much more, and they began dating when Rex was 17. After years of growing together, they married in 1984 and began building the life and family that would become Rex's greatest accomplishment. They welcomed their son, Bret Gideon, and Rex embraced fatherhood with the same enthusiasm and devotion he brought to everything he loved.

As Bret grew, Rex discovered new passions and adventures. He took up running, bicycling, and kayaking, and even competed in Eppie's Great Race in Sacramento. His experience in the race sparked a love for kayaking that would become a defining part of his life. Rex soon became deeply involved in whitewater kayaking and turned it into a family adventure.

Rex became a highly respected member of the whitewater kayaking community. He was not only an accomplished paddler, but a mentor, teacher, and caretaker to countless people who were just beginning to learn the sport. He was always willing to help, encourage, and share what he knew. He particularly enjoyed organizing the shuttle runs, somehow managing to fit far too many kayaks onto his Dodge van and far too many people inside it. Those crowded rides became part of the stories and memories that so many people would carry with them.

Family was always at the center of Rex's life. Rex and Marlene spent countless years traveling throughout California, Oregon, and Colorado to support Bret in his competitions. They were there for the long drives, the early mornings, the excitement, and all the moments in between. Rex never hesitated to show up for the people he loved.

Music was another lifelong passion. Rex played guitar from a young age and always found joy in making music. Later in life, he discovered the Native American flute and became involved with several flute circle groups. It was a community where Rex truly thrived, sharing his music and his love of connection with others.

Rex was also an avid cyclist. In recent years, his E-bike became one of his favorite ways to explore, and he sometimes rode an astonishing 7000 miles in a single year. He loved being outdoors and rarely let an opportunity for adventure pass him by.

Rex and Marlene were nearly inseparable during the last six years of his life. They created a life together that allowed them to spend nearly every day side by side. Rex even set up an office so Marlene could work from home, allowing them to share their days together and enjoy the simple gift of one another's company.

His love of the water continued throughout his life. Rex was especially excited when Marlene discovered paddle-boarding with their daughter-in-law, Megan Gideon. He enthusiastically joined them whenever he could, whether riding his bicycle alongside them or taking out his own specially modified paddle-board, complete with a seat. It was just another example of Rex finding a way to participate in the things his family loved.

Rex was a remarkably handy and inventive man. There were few things he believed could not be fixed, and he was rarely without an idea for how to solve a problem. He had a natural ability to figure things out, build things, repair things, and make things work. More importantly, he was always willing to share that knowledge with others.

In his later years, Rex and Marlene made many wonderful new friends in their local community through pickleball in Mokelumne Hill. They thoroughly enjoyed their time together on the court, laughing, playing, and building friendships that became an important part of their lives.

One of Rex's most treasured recent memories was the time he was able to spend with his grandson, Ethan Gideon, shortly before his passing. They enjoyed playing video games together and stayed connected through regular gaming and conversations. Rex treasured that relationship, and the time they shared will remain a special part of Ethan's memories of his grandfather.

Rex Gideon lived a life full of adventure, family, friendship, music, and service to others. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, mentor, teammate, musician, adventurer, and friend. He had a remarkable ability to bring people together and make them feel welcome. Whether he was navigating whitewater, riding his bicycle, playing music, repairing something that seemed impossible to fix, cheering on his family, or simply spending time with Marlene, Rex lived with enthusiasm and a generous spirit.

After 50 years of love and companionship with Marlene, Rex passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, August 14, 2026, in the arms of his loving wife.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy carried forward by the many people he loved and the many lives he touched.

Rex will be deeply missed, but the adventures, laughter, music, friendships, and love he shared will continue to live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him