BORN

1939

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens

4310 East Southern Ave

Phoenix, Arizona

Eugene L'Heureux Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 6, 2017.

Eugene "Gene" L'Heureux passed away in Tempe on Monday, December 4, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 20, 1939 in New York. He joined the Army in 1956 at the age of 17 and, with a fascination for new machines called "computers", became an IT specialist programming missile flight.
While stationed in Marine City, Michigan, Gene came upon his next lifelong fascination by way of a picture of an attractive female in the wallet of an Army buddy's girlfriend. He insisted on knowing where to find her and soon was introduced to Catherine Kelly who he pursued vigorously until she agreed to marry him in 1960 and became his beloved partner and best friend for life.
In 1972, Gene was offered a position as Operations Manager/Data Processing at Ambassador Leather International in Tempe, Arizona at which time they moved to Arizona against Catherine's strong protest. Fortunately for Gene, she grew to love Arizona.
In 1979, Gene moved to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, advancing rapidly to the position of Director of Internal Operations where he became an integral part of the company for many years
Gene was an avid outdoorsman. This lead him to extensive involvement in organizations like Anglers United and Ducks Unlimited. Soon after arriving in Arizona, Gene discovered his next fascination – houseboats. He began renting various vessels, soon determining he was destined to own one. Soon thereafter, Gene became the proud owner of the "Tristar", affectionately known by all as his "rusted out pontoon tub".
Gene also had a passion for giving back to the community around him. This eventually lead to what became one of his greatest passions – the Tempe Diablos. Gene was invited into the Diablos in 1988 and quickly embraced many of their numerous programs benefitting the youth of Tempe as well as the fundraising associated with them. He soon rose through the leadership ranks of the Diablos becoming their president in 1996 and affectionately known by his Diablo brothers as their "Napoleonic Emperor" in honor of his French heritage. "Geno", as he was known by his Diablo family, was active in the Diablos until his passing and became one of its most beloved members in the organization's 50-year history.
Gene's love for houseboats eventually evolved to his acquisition of "Desperado", a beautiful custom vessel made in the backwoods of Kentucky to which he and several of his new partners traveled to oversee its design. Upon describing their visit, they noted the sure loneliness of the town orthodontist, the importance of following their road map to avoid the guns of moonshiners and the amazing aluminum welding skills of the boat builders.
Desperado became Gene's chief recreational passion at Lake Powell on which he entertained countless friends while becoming a master houseboat mechanic. This acquired skill brought Gene equally countless opportunities to "clean-up" the problems created by his mechanically challenged partners and to rescue numerous fellow boaters in distress – both of which, Gene responded to cheerfully. And he was known to rein-in and scold many a partner from time to time.
One of Gene's favorite traditions was to host periodic trips for friends aboard the Desperado. The guests often included talented chefs, cocktails were plentiful, jet skis were fast, card games were beyond entertaining and the jokes were hilarious. And then, there were the fireworks. Gene bought fireworks for these trips by the pallet and many of them were quite powerful. However, the rangers at Lake Powell don't like fireworks – especially powerful ones. This made for some awkward – though humorous confrontations, a few fines and some surprisingly avoided jail time.
Gene had several other hobbies, all of which he became quite good at. He was a talented photographer, a true craftsman with stained-glass, he enjoyed years of great fishing with his "fishing partner" and he loved playing golf. He relished his days of golfing and "Men's Clubbing" with his buddies at Ken McDonald Golf Course in Tempe and eventually changed his email address to [email protected].
Gene has spent his recent years as an independent health insurance agent while grooming his beloved granddaughter, Cynthia to take the reins of the business. She's learned it quickly and made him enormously proud. He adored his family.
Gene was the consummate friend who would continually go out of his way to help anyone in his world who needed assistance. He had a contagious zest for life, was truly loved by all who knew him and, in many ways, personified human kindness and outreach. His was a life to be truly celebrated by all. He is survived by his loving wife Catherine, their son Paul and his wife Cassandra, their granddaughter Cynthia and her fiancé Aaron Sycamore, his brother Raymond and his wife Susan, their grandson Travis Richmond and wife Jocelyn and their daughter Sophia.
A Celebration Mass for Gene will be held Tuesday December 12th at 10:00 am at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 1800 E Libra Dr. in Tempe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church – Tabernacle Fund in memory of Gene L'Heureux.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

May 28, 2018

Kay, I tried to call, but not sure if your number is the same. Was trying to find you. Sorry to hear about Gene. Mom passed away April 20th at the age of 89. We used to be your neighbors. I am on facebook if your granddaughter will look me up. Joany Legros Saulter Brown.

April 18, 2018

Friend

Sandi Bronick

I feel so very bad that I wasn't aware of Gene's passing until yesterday. My heart and prayers go out to his wife and granddaughter. Gene was a wonderful man who would do anything he could to help you when you needed him. He loved his family and was so very proud of his granddaughter, Cynthia. He touched many lives and will be truly missed. Rest in Peace my friend....
Sandi

April 18, 2018

Sandi Bronick

December 16, 2017

Nancy Landrum

Kay, Cynthia and PJ and family. I am so sorry to hear the sad new about Gene's passing. I will always remember our fun times together and Gene's sense of humor. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God watch over you at this time of sorrow.

December 13, 2017

Paul Caputo

Kay and Cynthia
Our love and prayers go to you
Paul & Dottie Caputo

December 11, 2017

Gina Anderson

Kay, Cynthia, We are so sad to hear this news. We have such wonderful memories
of Gene; his love of you and Cynthia and everyone he knew. We can still hear his great laugh. We are so sorry we didn't see
your family in these last 5 years. We love
you and we are here for you! Love, The Anderson Family-Bob, Gina & Summer.

December 11, 2017

I met Gene through my involvement with Anglers United. He will always be remembered by all of us who support Anglers United and we thank him for his contribution to Anglers United.
Martin Jones

December 10, 2017

Tom and Lisa Wallace

Kay, Lisa and I are so sorry to learn of Gene's passing. We will always remember his good sense of humor and his wonderful smile. Lisa and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Tom and Lisa Wallace

December 10, 2017

Libby Bender

Kay and Cynthia,
The Bender family will be praying for you and for the repose of Gene's soul. He was such a sweet man, and we are all better people to have known him. May God wrap you in a loving embrace as you grieve.
Libby, Chuck, Erica, and Adam

December 10, 2017

Carol Von Fange

So sorry, Kay, we are thinking of you, he will be definitely missed.

December 10, 2017

Mary Ann Miller

Gene served on the Board of the Tempe Chamber for several years. He had that perfect combination of warmth, intelligence, humor and common sense, and he always spoke lovingly of his family. My deepest condolences to you all.

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Memorial Events
for Eugene L'Heureux

Dec

12

Memorial Mass

10:00 a.m.

Church of the Holy Spirit

1800 E Libra Dr., Tempe, AZ

Funeral services provided by:

Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens

4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042

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