Eugene Ouellette

1929 - 2015

Eugene "Gene" Ouellette, PhD passed away peacefully at his home in Redlands on November 9, 2015.

A long-time Redlands resident, educator, and proud Marine Corps veteran, Gene was admired and respected by his many friends and colleagues for his sharp wit, intellect, leadership skills, and untiring commitment to helping others. An emeritus faculty member of the University of Redlands, Gene retired in 1998 after serving for 34 years as a university faculty member and department chair and Chancellor of Johnston College.

Born February 9, 1929, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Gene attended Keith Academy in Lowell and Oblate Mary Immaculate Seminary before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Assigned to the 2nd Battalion 5th Maries, First Marine Division, he served as the Battalion Intelligence Officer, Battalion Legal Officer and Atomic Biologic and Neurologic Battalion Officer, and was also an Instructor at the Marine Corps Institute in Washington D.C.

After leaving the service, he attended Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and Boston College School of Law. He earned his BA and Masters in Communicative Disorders from University of Redlands, and his doctorate in Communicative Disorders and Psychology from the University of Washington.

Gene began his career in higher education as a faculty member of San Diego State University. He returned to Redlands as chair and faculty member of the University of Redlands Department of Communicative Disorders. He was the founding faculty member of audiology programs for San Diego State University and the University of Redlands, and the originator of the state speech therapy credential program at the University of Redlands. Committed to progressive education, Gene served as chancellor of Johnston College from 1971-1975, and later as vice president for academic affairs for the Union of Experimenting Colleges and Universities as well as national director of its University without Walls Program. He also was president of Communication Health Services, a private rehabilitation practice serving the Inland Empire.

He married Anne Morrison Ouellette at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 1955, and raised his two daughters in Redlands. Active in the Redlands community for over six decades, Gene directed several city council campaigns and was a member of the Redlands Rotary Club, the Redlands Loyal Knights of the Roundtable, the Redlands Fortnightly Club, and Friends of the A.K. Smiley Library as well as other local organizations.

Gene was also an accomplished sculptor, tennis player and sailor who was well known for his poker skills. After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling the world with his wife Anne and friends and continued to be active in the Redlands community until his passing.

He is survived by his daughters Michelle and Jeanne Ouellette, and grandchildren Natalie and Tristan Darquea. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Anne Morrison Ouellette, who passed away earlier this year. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Redlands Loyal Knights of the Roundtable, c/o Ouellette Family, 9600 Dale Avenue, Sunland, CA 91040.