Eugene LaBlond

Eugene "Gene" LaBlond passed away on October 21, 2010 at the age of 86. Gene is one of the rare California natives, born in Whittier, Calif. on September 14, 1924 to Joseph Jean and Theresa Margaret (Tuma) LaBlond. Gene attended Whittier High School, Whittier College and the University of Southern California where he played for the Trojans and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Football was his sport and his favorite teams were the Trojans and anyone playing the Bruins. Gene always had a smile for each person that he met. With that smile he touched your heart; if not his smile his large calming hands made you feel at home. It was on a blind date that he met Cecilia M. Poirier to whom he was married for almost 37 years before her passing in 1997. Gene and Cecilia lived in Whittier for the first few years of their life together before settling in LaHabra to raise their family and continue their adventure. After Cecilia's passing, Gene re-kindled love with his childhood sweetheart, Louise Bishop Hearn. They reconnected at their 55th high school reunion. It didn't take long for Gene to realize that there was a new beginning and he retired to the Valley where he and Louise made Chaparral Country Club their home for the last 12 years. Gene's priorities have always been faith, family and friends. He always strived to give back to his community and country by remaining active until Alzheimer's gained ground. Gene was in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS Rall, which was kamakazied. He was active in his home parishes of Our Lady of Guadalupe (LaHabra) and Sacred Heart (Palm Desert). Gene was a member of the Whittier Reserve Police Force, a member of the LaHabra City Planning Commission and active on the board at Chaparral with landscaping and security. For business, Gene remained the essence of a true entrepreneur. As a young man, Gene worked in the Orange Groves lighting smudge pots to keep the trees from freezing. He worked in medical sales before opening a restaurant in Riverside. After selling the restaurant, Gene went into real estate where he stayed active for nearly 30 years as an investor, in sales and as a broker. Customers became more than a commission, they were friends. No matter the role, Gene always placed others first. In our family, Gene was always the silent caregiver ruling with patience and a laid back California attitude. He cared for his mother-in-law through Alzheimer's and Cecilia through cancer and ALS. He did his best to make sure that Louise was cared for and comfortable when he was no longer able. He was always an example to his child and made sure that each knew they were loved for who they are as an individual. Gene is survived by his son, Clark of Jacksonville, Fla.; step-children, Mike Hearn (Jeri) and Tish Riley (Rich); along with his extended family of grand-children, Zach and Kendall Fuller, Allen Riley and great-grandchildren, Hannah and Mallory Fuller. We would like to thank the staff at Brighton Gardens for all that they have done to make Gene smile since he was placed in their caring hands. There will be a mass said in Gene's honor. His family asks that donations be made in his name to any of the following: Odyssey Hospice (71-777 San Jacinto Dr, Suite 102, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270), Friends of Jacksonville Animals (www.FriendsOfJacksonvilleAnimals.com) or Sacred Heart Church (43-775 Deep Canyon Rd, Palm Desert, CA, 92260). Arrangements are being handled by Fitzhenry-Weiffels, Palm Desert.