EUGENE DeBAC VACHER

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San Diego State University

EUGENE VACHER Obituary

VACHER, EUGENE DeBAC October 20, 1909 to Sept. 16, 2010 Gene was born in San Diego, raised on a rural El Cajon citrus ranch by parents Eugene and Josephine Vacher where his childhood view was dominated by Mt. San Miguel. He attended El Cajon Elementary and Grossmont High Schools and graduated from San Diego State in 1931. His musical life began at age 10 with a mail-order cornet and mail-order lessons. He played professionally in San Diego concert and dance bands as well as eight years with the San Diego Civic Symphony and also taught music in local schools. He entered the U.S. Army and served as a Bandmaster in the U.S., Korea, France and Germany. Gene retired in 1965 as a Chief Warrant Officer having served as Assistant of Chief of Banos for U.S. Army, Europe. He returned to California, taught music in Santa Rosa and Fontana Schools before retiring in 1972 and settling on his family land near El Cajon. Gene was involved in reactivating the San Diego City Guard Band serving as Bandmaster until 2008. During those years he continued teaching and playing with local mandolin orchestras in the Community College system. Gene was an active member of the El Cajon Rotary Club and the El Cajon Historical Society. He was a member of the York Rite of Free Masonry over 57 years and of the Military Retired Officers Association. Gene was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Blaetus Lavas Vacher; by his daughter Linda Vacher Albanowicz and her husband Stanley; and by step-daughter Joanne Mae Vacher Hayen. Survivors include stepson George P. Lavas (Ellen); grandchildren Jennifer Lavas Wassel (Alan); Adam Albanowicz (Sonia); Josephne Newton (Larry); Caz Albanowicz; Julie Hayen Dennis (Larry); and ten great-grand-children. Greenwood Memorial Park arrangements include viewing Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, 2-6 p.m. and graveside services Tuesday, Sept. 28,2010, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gene to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., 1000 East State Parkway Suite 1, Schaumbure, IL 60173.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Sep. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for EUGENE VACHER

8 Entries

Love, from Jacqueline Banda (SDMO)

Jacqueline Banda

September 27, 2010

I met Eugene in 2004 when I decided to join the San Diego Mandolin Orchestra. Having a piano background to start, and with years of working as an accountant, my sight-reading was not that good, and I had a hard time keeping up. He encouraged me to stick with the orchestra. I did, and now I rarely miss a practice or a performance.

Always a gentleman, and serious about the work he did with the San Diego Mandolin Orchestra, those of us who play his scores, know of the great talent he had for arranging music, and also imparting how to create the desired musical effect. Beyond a lifetime devoted to music, he was always a great guy to be around. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet him and work with him. I will miss you every week, Eugene. God Bless you, Jacqueline Banda (San Diego, CA)

Donna Conaty

September 27, 2010

On behalf of the faculty and staff in the School of Music and Dance at SDSU, I offer our condolences to the family, friends, and former students of Eugene Vacher. San Diego has lost a generous musician and wonderful human being.

Stephanie Millican

September 26, 2010

Thanks to Gene for keeping us honest and helping us to give Mozart a fair shake with "Eine Kleine Nacht Muzik" as well as his own inspiration in leading us through his many mandolin arrangements of orchestral works.

Kathleen Herb

September 25, 2010

Gene was a huge influence in my life. He's the reason I've played flute for the last 17 years, and every week at City Guard his passion for music inspired me. He was born the same year as my father, and knowing him was a link back to the strength and creativity of my dad, both of them members of the "Greatest Generation." He will be sorely missed.

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Lois Bach

September 25, 2010

I met Gene about 17 years ago through our friends, Dolores and Mike Miller who are a part of the San Diego Mandolin Orchestra. Gene was a wonderful person and a gentleman. I had the pleasure of writing an extensive two-part article about him nearly 6 years ago for the San Diego Troubadour. If you would like to access it on the internet, please visit:
www.sandiegotroubadour.com, then click on "Back Issues" at the top of the page. Part One of the article is in the December, 2004 issue and Part Two is in the January, 2005 issue. I hope that you enjoy reading about Gene as much as I enjoyed writing about him.

September 24, 2010

My mother, Ruth Hawley Kabler, spoke often of Gene Vacher -- went to high school and college with him, and my uncle Norman Hawley married Thurza Vacher, whom I assume was his aunt. I believe the Hawley and the Vacher families were friends from the early 1900s or before. Nice to hear a name from the past, and that he lived such a long life. Best wishes to all of his family.
Mallie Kabler Odle

Andrew Olson

September 24, 2010

Gene's presence and brilliant mind will be missed at future monthly luncheons of the Old Geezers = San Diego State grads of the 1930's.

John Baker

September 24, 2010

What an amazing man! Gene was the reason my wife returned to playing her flute and become an AP music teacher. He was an inspiration to all that knew him. I truly feel honored to have known Gene....John Baker

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