Eugene Wilbur Hallett

Eugene Hallett, longtime Bellfountain resident, passed away of natural causes at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Albany. Gene was born on March 29, 1921, in Forest Grove to Julian and Charlotte “Lottie” (Cummings) Hallett, the youngest child in a family of five older sisters. Gene was raised at the Children’s Farm Home in Corvallis from the age of 5 until joining the Navy on Jan. 10, 1940. He was lucky enough to be on the East Coast on Dec. 7, 1941. He served during World War II as a machinist’s mate, first class on various ships including the USS Philadelphia, USS Fury, the USS Peter H. Burnett and the USS Chikaskia. He also served during the Korean War on the USS Thomas. On May 29, 1945, Gene married Mary Helen (Marie) Stiver in Elkton, Maryland; they met at a skating rink in Philadelphia while Gene was on leave during World War II; he fell hard for her, literally. They were blessed with four boys, Eugene Jr. “Skip,” Randy, Gary and Larry “Mousie.” After his discharge from the Navy, they returned to Oregon and lived in Bellfountain until Marie’s death in 2000. In 2002, Gene met Urchyl Bohard and they lived together as domestic partners in Corvallis until illness separated them in December 2016. Gene and Urchyl shared many years together, and were able to travel many miles together on cruise ships and car trips. Gene enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He also loved dancing with Marie and later with Urchyl, and singing with Urchyl and “The Young at Heart Singers.” He was a master whittler and whittled many gifts for family and friends. He was a long-time member of the Elks Lodge in Corvallis. Gene lived in Albany with his son, Skip, and daughter-in-law Judy for the last few months. He maintained his wonderful sense of humor throughout his life. His last words to us were, “God dammit” as he was transferred to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in the rain. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters; wife Marie; two sons, Randy and Gary; and a great-grandson, Zachary Cook. He is survived by his partner, Urchyl; two sons, Skip (Judy) Hallett and Mousie (Becky) Hallett; five grandchildren, Susan Cook, Kenneth (Kim) Hallett, Terri (Mark) Davie, Scott (Jenn) Hallett, Ryan (Kendal) Hallett; 14 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Gene is also survived by his second family, Eric (Jeri) Bohard, Kirk (Lisa) Bohard, Marta (Tim) Meade and the rest of the Bohard clan. A graveside memorial service will be scheduled for later in the year when the sun is shining. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations are made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice or the Monroe Booster Club, care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 NW Fifth St. Corvallis.

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Eugene Wilbur Hallett

March 29, 1921 - March 29, 2017