EUGENE DeBAC VACHER

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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

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.

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