LA LIBERTE, Eugene J.
Gene, as he is known to his family and friends, passed away on 18 February 2011. He was 9l years young. Gene was never old. He would never allow his biological age to stop him from doing what he wanted to do. He was young at heart, mind, spirit and attitude. He had more stamina than many people half his age with a heart twice as big. He was a very compassionate and dedicated man to his family, friends, his work and to life. Born 22 May 1919 in Flint, Michigan, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940. After graduating from Officers Candidate School in 1943, he served almost 34 years on active duty, serving in WWII, the Korean War and during the Viet Nam Conflict. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal 3 times and the Air Force Commendation Medal 5 times. He retired from Fairchild Air Force Base in 1973. Gene was a founding member of the Fairchild Federal Credit Union currently Global Credit Union after retiring from the military. He worked as a loan officer and branch supervisor for 13 years. Never one to be idle, after he "retired" from the CU, Gene joined the Spokane Police Department Senior Volunteers in 1990 due to his compassion and dedication to the community. He ultimately became Co-Director of the Senior Volunteer Program accumulating 40,800 + hours of public service. He particularly enjoyed playing Mc Gruff the crime-fighting dog at schools, churches, parades and other events. For 32 years, until his health prevented it, every Christmas Eve he would be at the Spokane International Airport dressed as Santa Claus and handing out candy canes to the children who were traveling on this special night. Gene is survived by his wife, Jackie, son, Terry and his wife Dolores; three daughters, Sharon Rossiter, Connie Fuhrman and Renee Dorsey; stepson, George Montgomery; stepdaughter, Teri Alexander and sister, Pat Rector as well as sixteen grandchildren, twenty two great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. His first wife, Doris, preceded him in death in 1982. People who knew him will miss his vigor, humor, compassion and hearing his whistling coming down the hall at work. His memory will always have a permanent place in our hearts. Once met, never forgotten. Funeral Services will be held at Heritage Funeral Home, Friday, 25 February, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Spokane Law Enforcement Museum, 924 W. Sinto, Spokane, WA 99201.
Published in Spokesman-Review from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24, 2011
