Albert Francis Gamache Jr.

Albert Francis Gamache Jr., 86, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024, at Quail Crest Memory Care where he was wonderfully cared for the last few years of his life. Al was born July 17, 1938 in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, the son of Albert F. Gamache Sr. and Gertrude M (Higgins) Gamache. He attended Catholic School for the first eight years of his life and was also an Altar Boy during this time. His family moved to Silver City New Mexico before he started High School and after a few years ended up moving to Eugene, which would become his home. He attended a few High School reunions in New Mexico and always fondly remembered his time spent there. Al graduated from Eugene High School in 1956, then went on to serve four years in the United States Air Force as a Radio Intercept Operator in the 6911th Radio Group Mobile. He was honorably discharged in 1960. In the 2000s, his unit started holding reunions which he so enjoyed participating in. Al married Theresa (Luckinbill) Gamache on February 24, 1962 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Al and Theresa were married for over 62 years, and were the definition of true love. They had two children, M Gamache in 1967 and Christine (Gamache) Garcia in 1969. He also had two grandchildren that meant the world to him, Cornell Garcia, (b.1993), and Chayce Garcia, (b. 2000). Al worked for the United States Postal Service for over 30 years, starting out as a Window Clerk and ending as a Procurement Agent before retiring. Al especially loved being out in nature; camping, hiking, climbing and backpacking. He was a member of The Obsidians in the 70s, an outdoor adventure and education group, and became a "Prince" after climbing all three of the Sisters Mountains in The Cascades Range in Oregon. He enjoyed photography and loved taking photos of the wilderness while spending time outdoors. He also loved travel and lived abroad in Korea as well as Germany while serving in the military. In his retirement years, he and Theresa enjoyed going on cruises, even taking a cruise for their 50th anniversary. They also created special memories with a few trips to Hawaii. Al was a special individual, with a large personality, that was loved by all. A warm and kind gentleman, with a fun sense of humor who was always quick with a laugh. He will be forever missed although I know he is still watching over us with a smile.