Gene Favell, founder of the Favell Museum, 1926-2001

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Gene's parents, Eugene and Ruth Favell, lived in Lakeview, Oregon, where Eugene was engaged in real estate and insurance. The area was equally effected by the drought of the 1930's which began drying up the small lakes in southeastern Oregon. Consistent with the drought, wind began blowing across the high desert revealing ancient stone tools as the land eroded. The Favell's with their son, Gene, discovered an interesting hobby.

Often, the family would drive out in the desert while, Gene, riding on the running board of their car, would scan the countryside looking for artifacts. When he spotted one he would yell and his father would stop while Gene snatched up his find.

Gene Favell 1934 Throughout Gene's youth, his parents impressed upon him the need to give back to his community. His father's favorite saying was "Service to your community is the rent you pay for living in it."

While still a senior in high school, Gene enlisted in the Navy, closely following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor and served until 1947 when he entered Stanford University to major in economics and American history. There, he met Winifred Lamm, whose parents founded and owned the Lamm Lumber Company north of Klamath Falls. They were married in 1949.

Gene's love of the outdoors and artifact collecting were a natural and he spent over 30 years pursuing his interest with his family and friends.

During his career, Gene's natural ability to sell found him at a men's clothing store transforming customers' appearance. Soon he was the owner/operator of the financially successful Gene's Men's Store.

Speaking to area organizations about his artifact collection introduced him to Kiwanis International which he describes as a "magic carpet experience." His long and distinguished service took him to the top where he served on the international level.

Ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the Favell Museum in Klamath Falls, Oregon, on April 15, 1972 When Gene's artifact collection outgrew his space at home, he and Winifred began planning a "museum" to house them. Their dream was realized on April 15, 1972, with the ribbon cutting .

"Expert Criticism" by Arnold Friberg Western art was added to the museum, in part, as a hedge against inflation in the late 1970's. Soon, they began to attend Western art shows and traveling in search of new acquisitions. The collections were upgraded constantly and major notable artists were represented. Not only did the paintings come into the museum, the artists came with them, especially during the annual anniversary show.

Throughout the museum, visitors find reminders of Gene's humor and love of puns. One such is preserved on a brass plaque which reads, "Some paintings are just pigments of the artist's imagination."

Following Gene's death in 2001, the museum remained open until November, 2003. It was re-organized as a private, non-profit and re-opened May 1, 2004.