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Eugene LA LIBERTE Obituary
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.
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Memories and Condolences
for Eugene LA LIBERTE
Barrie Roper
February 16, 2023
The years get longer, but the memory of the kind man is as bright as ever.
Robert Briggs
March 26, 2014
Grandpa, you were such a great man. I know that no matter how hard or long I try, I will never be as good a person as you. You have left behind a legacy that will not be soon forgotten by your family, the city in which you served, or all of the lives you touched. There is a hole in our hearts and we will miss you until we meet again. A few years before you passed away, I told you about my service of rendering Taps for military funerals and told you when the day came, I would do that for you. I had hoped that was a long, long time in the future, but it came too soon. It was an honor and priviledge to render Taps for your final honors.
Connie Fuhrman
March 26, 2014
Dearest Dad, so so many memories, you will always be in our hearts right there with our Dearest Mom. You are with her once again. And my 'feebs' husband, Fred. We miss you so much and are so proud of all of your accomplishments. You taught us by example to be the best we can be, even if we didn't realize it at the time. You were so well loved by so very many people and will be remembered for the caring, loving, supportive person you always were. Unselfishly lending help to others, always, always with love and a smile. We miss you, we love you, for always and forever. You and Mom gave me a brother & 2 sisters whom I cherish with their families. My children, Lana & Bob and their families adore you. Cool Grandpa, cool Dad~! I love you, Your daughter, Connie.
Beth Brooks
August 3, 2011
Oh my word. I just found out that Uncle Gene passed away. I am Shirley's daughter, Beth. Unfortunately, I did not know not him well, but he was incredible support to me when my mom passed away in 1993.
What a great man! Beth Brooks (Peachtree City, GA)
Michael Collins
March 2, 2011
Mike Lamb e-Mailed me regarding the very sad news of your Dads passing.
Like Mike, I was a 16 year old Ex Boy Entrant on his first posting into "Man's Service" at R.A.F. North Luffenham in England.
Your Dad often came into the Mechanical Transport section, where I worked as Control Clerk. Even after 50 years I can still picture him clearly, his smile and his easy going manner, when he would chat to us - even me, someone still not old enough to put up his "Senior Aircraftsman Rank badges. I was still technically, a "Boy" - the lowest of the low in the R.A.F. But that didn't matter to your Dad, he treated all people with equal respect, and made them feel at ease, yet always having the respect of all whom he came into contact.
I read the obituary, forwarded to me by Mike, and can vouch for every word of praise in it. Your Dad was one of those rare people, whom once met, was never forgotten, impressing upon them the warmth and friendly, caring spirit that he was. I am not in the least surprised that he in later life became a Pillar of his community from whom, I am sure, many people, (as did I) derive moral and spiritual benefit.
My Sincere Condolences to you and your family.
Michael (Mickie) Collins
February 27, 2011
The Ladies and Gentlemen of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Eugene J. La Liberte, USAF Ret. for your loss, to honor his service to our country and our patriotic hero.
Linda Anne House, Founding Member
Stephen and Patti Aspinwall
February 27, 2011
Gene was a remarkable man who gave himself unselfishly to others and his community. I first met Gene when he and Howard and Margie Clow built a duplex on the northside of Spokane in the early 80's. Gene lived in one unit, and his friends the Clows lived in the other. I worked on the financing of that new construction and was amazed how well Gene and Howard worked together in that venture. When Howard and Margie decided to move to Lacy, WA, Gene and the Clows sold the duplex, and Gene and Jackie bought the new home in Liberty Lake. I was involved with that financing too. In those times, you had to supply lots of documentation for financing and Gene was always prepared with anything that I needed. Of course that made the transactions go smoothly and made my life easier and Gene's too. He was a very organized man as we all know. I will miss his annual call to us wishing us a happy wedding anniversary.
Doris Brown
February 26, 2011
Our community star has gone on to a greater calling. We will miss Gene and the community will have a void hard to fill.G
Becky Pierson-Schroeder
February 25, 2011
On behalf of the Schroeder family, I'd like to express our condolences to Gene's wife and family. Gene was a long-time friend of my parents, Bob & Marion Schroeder, going back to Fairchild AFB and Fairchild Credit Union days. For so many years, he was the person who kept the Fairchild group in the loop and in the know with what was happening with members of the group. He was such a support to my mom and our family when my dad died. About a year ago, Gene gave me a copy of my dad's obituary he had saved from 1978 when my dad died. When my mom fell ill, Gene always made a point of checking with me on her progress to update the Fairchild group and to invite her to their dinners if she felt well enough, and even offered to take her with he and his wife. What a big heart and dedicated coordinator! Gene seemed to be the glue that held people together. He will definitely be missed by many.
CMSGT(Ret) Phil Lupo
February 25, 2011
Godspeed to your heavenly rewards Gene.
I enjoyed our military association
together from the 1950s thru today. You were one of the finest US Air Force CMSGT at Fairchild AFB. There are many young former Airmen that owe you a great deal of appreciation. You guided their lives admirably. I really enjoyed our friendship.
Barrie Roper
February 25, 2011
The La Liberte family came into my life they arrived in England in 1959 to become our neighbours for several years.I will always remember meeting Eugene for the first time, the big warm smile and the firm handshake. He was truely a nice and caring person who will always be remembered with a warm fondness.
Cheryl Steele
February 24, 2011
Gene is the king of volunteerism! His family should be very proud of him. He left big shoes to fill and I pray that his children, grand and greatchildren step forward and give one third of the time he gave to public safety! It was an honor to know Gene and to learn the true meaning of "community" from him. Godspeed Gene...I will continue community advocacy and volunteering in your honor!
February 24, 2011
Renee, I remember your Dad with much affection, he was someone I admired whilst at NLuff. Take care, you and the family will be in my thoughts. Mick
Glenn Moore
February 24, 2011
I have known Gene for a number of years and YES he rode the bus every day. I know this because for several years, I drove that bus. He was very well known on the bus especially to the first few rows of seats. Gene would always let me know if he wasn't going to be on the bus on a particular day so that we (myself and the passengers) wouldn't worry. When he didn't do this, we all worried. When Gene fell seriously ill, his wife would drive to the STA Liberty Lake Park and Ride just to let us know what was going on and how he was doing. I'm not sure if she realized just how much that meant to us but it really did make a difference. It amazes me when I think about all of the lives we touch as we go through life and how it effects our lives. Gene touched mine and for that I am eternally grateful. Rest In Piece Gene..
February 23, 2011
Renee & Connie-
I remember your father from England-what a great man he was. It's hard now, but all your wonderful memories will replace the hurt. My love and prayers are with you.
Beth
Kyle Weir
February 23, 2011
Gene, I'm glad I knew you! You were a good man and a true example of grace and good will. I will miss hearing your "Santa" bells coming though our office every Christmas. :) Rest in peace, Gene. You will truely be missed.
February 23, 2011
Gene's family,
I have such great memories of Gene and the friendship he showed my parents, especially to my mother after my father passed away. He and Doris and Jackie were true friends and companions. I will always remember the games of cards and laughter that went on at our house on Wellesley. I have the nativity that he brought from overseas to my mom. I think of Gene every year when I put it out. God bless all of you as you celebrate such a wonderful life. Tammy Bassett; Vera and Fred's daughter. Spokane, WA
Lana Miller
February 23, 2011
Grandpa, You taught us about love and family, and that one person can truly make a difference in the world. Your giving spirit will never be forgotten by so many, and your legacy will live on forever. We love and miss you so much already G'pa!!!!!
With all our love, Lana, Randy, Josh Davis & Hunter
February 23, 2011
Longtime friend, coworker, counselor,valued human being. Gene we will miss you immensely, but remember you always.
Bill & Mary Ann Edwards, Seattle, WA
Eileen Murphy
February 23, 2011
Gene was always a joy to be near! He will be missed.
Jan Bentley
February 23, 2011
"Grandpa Gene", we will miss you!!!!!!
Tom Sahlberg
February 23, 2011
Jackie and family/friends - Gene was one my "surrogate" Dads. He taught me what true service is;selfless love in action.
We grieve our loss, but rejoice that his journey is not over and that he will be in our hearts always.
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