Obituary of Gerard M Champagne

Gerard M Champagne passed on December 6, 2017. Gerard was born August 6, 1948 in Leominster, Massachusetts to Henry and Laurette Champagne. He graduated from high school and then joined the Navy in 1967, where he eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, in San Diego. Gerry retired from the US Navy after 30 years of a combination of active duty, Naval Reserve Officer and Naval Civilian Service, rising from the rank of (E-5) second class petty to (GS-13/5) a Division Head Commander. On one of his overseas tours, while serving aboard the USS McCormick, a guided missile destroyer, while leaving Da Nang Harbor the crew of the McCormick was responsible for successfully rescuing the rear gunner from an Army helicopter that had gone down and sank next to a ship. The McCormick also participated in several missions along with other Navy units, one was at the mouth of the Mekong Delta and completed several missions on the gun line. For Gerry's U.S Navel Service and for a Tour of Duty in a Combat Zone, he earned many medals. He received the Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Defense Medal with one Bronze Star, and National Defense Medal along with several commemorative medals. One for Combat Service, Sea Service, US Navy Service, American Defense and his character of service was an Honorable Discharge. In 2005, he retired from his second career, with 20 years of service with the California Police Department in El Cajon. Gerry served as as a Peace Officer, a Range Master, a Firearms Instructor and eventually a Training Lieutenant. During his time of service he earned a Class C Commendation and several other awards. During 1990-1996 he was employed by Grossmont College of San Diego, CA as a part time instructor of Administrative Justice for the reserve Police Officer Academy, teaching classes in Officer Safety, Firearm Safety, and Advanced Firearms Training. Gerry moved to Shelton, WA in June of 2010. Gerry was a member of the Skokomish Valley Community Church and was a avid football fan, and loved the Seahawks. Gerry is survived by his wife, Lillian Champagne of 46 years, married on May 26th, 1973. Children; Richard Eric Champagne (son) of Shelton, Laurette Jeanne Champagne (daughter) of Kingsman, AZ, Laurelle Rethke(step-daughter) New York City, New York, and Jeff and Christy Champagne (son & daughter-in-law) of Shelton, WA. Grandchildren; Kyle J. Meyer of Las Cruces, NM, Nathan R. Meyer currently stationed in Germany, Wyatt G. Meyer of San Diego CA, Madeleine D. Champagne, Tanner G. Champagne both of Shelton, WA. Great-Grandchild; Sylis Evan Meyer. Also, survived by brother Ronald Champagne & wife Carla of Gardner Mass, sister Lisette M. Dufresne of Mass., Pauline M. Champagne & Osanne M. Champagne of Westminster, Mass., Jane B. Loiselle of Mass., Sister in Law, Donna (Mike) Hannah of Crosby, TX., Debra Hanna-Varble of Dayton Tx., Brother in Law Dan (Susie)Hanna of San Diego, CA. And numerous nieces and nephews.