Eugene Arch LeMay

Mr. LeMay was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin February 21, 1916 to Eugene Alfonse LeMay and Elodia Couiller. He grew up in Yakima where his father had LeMay’s Music Shop on East Yakima Avenue. He attended Marquette High School and Seattle University.

Arch claimed it was due to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin that he met and subsequently married his bride of 64 years Louise Allen on November 28, 1942. They settled in West Seattle where they raised seven children in addition to taking in several foster children.

Arch worked for Boeing 37 years as an engineer in numerical control where he was instrumental in the development of their first computer software.

He and Louise spent their retirement years in Cliffdell, Washington where they were members of St. John’s Catholic Church in Naches. Avid ballroom dancers throughout their marriage, they could be found dancing at least twice weekly at Yakima’s senior center. After his wife’s death Arch became a resident of the Orchard Park Assisted Living Community. While there he continued to share his talent as Yakima’s answer to Fred Astaire. He also maintained his musical gift. One could often hear the sweet strains of his organ playing in the halls outside his apartment. Arch loved the great outdoors, particularly the Pacific Northwest. His dream was to put on his backpack, walk out his back door, and begin hiking in the woods. From his cabin in Cliffdell he could literally do that. He took his family camping every summer and was a member of the Cascadians well into his 90s.

He is survived by his seven children, 13 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

There will be a viewing from 4 to 8 PM and a rosary at 6 PM Thursday, February 28th at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, 10 AM, at St. Paul’s Cathedral.