Eugene (Gene) Henry Oord

Eugene (Gene) Henry Oord, 74, died peacefully in his sleep Thursday, Dec. 14, at his home in Othello. Oord was born Dec. 27, 1931, in a farmhouse in Zillah. Oord is a graduate of Zillah High School (1950). He won scholarships to play basketball and baseball at Yakima Valley Junior College and Whitworth College, earning his B.A. in education in 1955. Oord also eventually earned his M.A. in education and certificate in administration from Washington State University and his certificate of counseling from Eastern Washington University.

He valued education both for himself and for his family. After brief teaching stints in Zillah, Warden, and Highland, Oord served more than thirty years as an educator in Othello. He was a classroom teacher, vice-principal, principal, counselor, and coach at several schools. Oord was Othello Teacher of the Year in 1974 and runner-up Washington State Teacher of the Year. He was given these accolades because he cared deeply for students and tried to keep their best interests in mind.

Oord was a member of the Othello Church of the Nazarene for forty-five years. He served for decades on the Church board, was a longtime Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir, served as youth leader, and acted as leader in many other ways. His wisdom was appreciated in each role, and he tried to see the big picture while meeting individual needs. He saw himself as an encourager and helper.

In addition to his passion for his Christian faith and for public education, Oord enjoyed farming. His early years on the farm birthed his interest and fascination with animals, orchards, and things horticultural. He taught his children many of life's lessons as they worked together on the farm, picked fruit, and tended their animals. He was always a farm boy at heart.

Oord's devotion to helping others was expressed in many ways. He assisted high school students to gain entrance into college or the military. He coached basketball, baseball, and football teams at many levels. He enjoyed gleaning apples, potatoes, and other foods to share with widows and those in need. Oord was known to take public school and Sunday school students sledding, river tubing, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. Through these activities, he strived to promote love of God and the worth of each individual.

Eugene Oord is survived by his wife, Louise, and his three children, John, Tom, and Carol. Oord has nine surviving grandchildren. His surviving siblings include sisters Greta, Katherine, Marie, and Ruth.

Oord was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Grace and his youngest sister, Pauline.

A celebration of Eugene's life was held on Monday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. at the Gathering Place of the Othello Church of the Nazarene.

Cremation under the direction of Stevens Funeral Chapel.