Obituary of Eugene Marcel LaMel

Eugene Marcel LaMel, 90, went to be with the Lord on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2020 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 4:45AM with his beloved wife, Patricia, laying by his side, praying, her hand on his heart.He was born Eugene Marcel Mills on January 27, 1930 to Allen Eugene and Mary Elizabeth (Lucas) Mills in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Gene would tell of the time he was in the second grade playing baseball, hockey, sledding and ice skating. In 1938, he was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and after months of bed rest, he had to learn to walk again. At age 16, he was still being treated from the effects of the fever, but he would sneak out of the house with his skates and go play hockey. It is no surprise that the sport of curling became such a passion for him.Gene had a varied work history including the merchant navy, cab driver and lumberjack. In all of his positions, he gained a reputation for working both effectively and efficiently.Gene accepted a position in the microfilm industry in Palo Alto, California. He met Patricia Jean Coulombe in a curling league in April of 1962. On December 15, 1962 they were married in a little Salvation Army Chapel. In 1965 they changed their last name to LaMel when Gene became a US citizen.They had two daughters; Lorena Leigh born June 1, 1966 and Aleta Genette born September 9, 1967. The family lived in San Jose, California where they attended Los Gatos Christian Church.In 1989, Gene accepted a position as Director of Production Services at OC International, a missionary sending agency, in Milpitas, California. This position in OC allowed Gene to impact the global ministry of OC around the world. In 1991, the LaMels moved to Colorado Springs, as did the mission, where he continued to serve until his retirement in 1995.He is survived by his wife, Patricia Coulombe LaMel; daughters, Lorena (David) Roberts and Aleta LaMel Ridings; Tim Ridings; granddaughters, Zoe, Sydney, and Veronica Hunt; father of his granddaughters, Andrew Hunt; and great-grandson, Matthew Hunt.Memorial Service, 2:00PM, Thursday, February 27, 2020, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923. Events Memorial Service Thursday, February 27, 2020 2:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611