Obituary of Eugene M. McCann
Eugene “Gene” M. McCann passed away in St. Helens, Oregon on September 20th, 2011 at the age of 93. Born July 8th, 1918 in Portland, Oregon he attended Delana Grade School and Rainier High School. During WWII he served his country as a Tech. Sergeant/radio operator & gunner in the Army Air Corps. Based in England, he went on to fly 35 missions over Germany, each mission achieved in a single aircraft known as “The Flyin’ Moose.” He received a number of medals, including a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
On July 26th, 1944 Gene married Yvonne Luchs, and went on to work in a variety of professions, including swimming pool plasterer, driver for Christianson Meat, a telephone lineman, and owned his own shop where he worked as an auto mechanic, specializing in carburetors and electrical systems. He enjoyed woodworking, and was an avid user of his chainsaw for cutting wood. He belonged to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Hammond, Oregon and to ARPA (American Railroad Preservation Assn.). In addition to his other activities he was a member of Wickiup Grange #722 War Birds. He not only said “yes” to life—he also said “Wundebar!”
Gene is survived by his wife of 67 years, Yvonne McCann of Svensen, OR and by his six children: Carol Trotter of Svenson, OR, Joanie McCann of Colorado Springs, CO, Don (Sharon) McCann of North Plains, OR, Kathie Stevens of St. Helens, OR, Bob (Nancy) McCann of Gladstone, OR, and Ron (Bev) McCann of Tigard, OR. He is also survived by his brothers Robert (Fay) McCann of Portland, OR and Lynn McCann of Stewartville, Minnesota. Gene was preceded in death by his parents John & Mae (Sutherland) McCann, and by brothers Gordon, Barney & Ben McCann and sisters Katherine (Kay) Bailey & Patricia (Patsy) McCann. He was also preceded in death by his grandson Billy Trotter.
A Memorial Mass will be held for Gene at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Parish in Astoria, Oregon at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2011. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea, ARPA or to a favorite charity. Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center – Tualatin
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