Walking On - Eugene LaChance

Eugene LaChance

June 6, 1930 – May 22, 2016

Our beloved Eugene LaChance went home to be with God and his family members in Heaven on May 22, 2016, at the age of 85.

He was born in Garibaldi, Ore., on June 6, 1930, to Joseph Rock and Lillian Rachel (Dowd) LaChance. He was preceded by both of his parents; brothers, Ted and Melvin LaChance; and great-granddaughter, McKenzie Rose Brown, to be with the Lord and play with the angels in Heaven.

After graduating from Willamina High School, he joined the Army and served during the Korean War, returning home to Camp Pendleton to train troops, and was later honorably discharged. He returned home, becoming a cabinet maker, and he married Barbara (Shearer-Lane) in March 1970 and raised her daughter, Melody. They welcomed another daughter, Sarah, into their lives in April 1972.

Gene worked for the Springfield School District as head custodian at Yolanda Elementary and retired in 1995. His hobbies included bowling, watching WWE wrestling, traveling, hunting and camping.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; two daughters, Melody and her husband, Michael Knotts, and Sarah and her husband, Raef Parmelee; six grandchildren, Jerry Brown and his wife, Allie, Brett Brown, Cole Brown, Mathew Knotts, Chalene Parmalee-Raymond and her husband, Erik, and Carmen Parmalee; and one great-grandson, Cameron Brown. He also is survived by a half-sister, Teresa Mausen, of Sweet Home, Ore.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, June 11, at the Tribal gym in Grand Ronde. Family requested attendees dress in his favorite colors, various blues or bright colors, and asked people not to wear black.

A graveside service was held immediately following at the Tribal Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Springfield Memorial Funeral Home. People can sign the guestbook at www.musgroves.com.