Eugene"Gene" Richard Lorenz

Eugene (Gene) Richard Lorenz Born: January 1, 1947 Died: July 10, 2013 Eugene (Gene) R. Lorenz passed away in Vancouver, WA, after many years of chronic heart, lung, and kidney disease. He is survived by his wife, Sandi Allinger of Vancouver, his only daughter, Erin Kathleen Lorenz-Taylor of Hillsboro, OR, and his two grandsons, Cyrus R. Taylor and Linkin J. Taylor, both of Vancouver, WA. Gene Lorenz was born January 4, 1947 to Walter and Hattie Bassel Lorenz, both of Vancouver. He lived his entire life in Vancouver, Washington. Gene graduated from Fort Vancouver High School in 1965. During his high school years, Gene was actively involved in the photography club, was a student photographer for the school's yearbook. Gene also was a very active member in his high school's reunion organization participating in the planning of the many high school reunions over the years for Fort Vancouver's Alumni. Upon graduation from high school, Gene attended Clark Community College and obtained his Associate Degree in Fine Arts. Gene planned to further his education by attending Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA. However, Uncle Sam had other plans for Gene. While waiting for his classes at Brooks Institute to begin in the Fall, Gene was drafted into the Army. Gene completed two tours of duty in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant. Gene returned home from Vietnam and within a few months, he began his course of study at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. Gene graduated from Brooks in September, 1972 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Professional Photography. After graduating from Brooks Institute, Gene returned to Vancouver and began working for Bruno Studio's as a school photographer. At that time, Bruno's had studios in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, Portland, Mall 205, Beaverton, Eugene and Medford. In early 1975, each of the existing Bruno Studio locations were sold to individuals who retained the Bruno name. Gene purchased the Vancouver Bruno Studio in partnership with Charles Winningham. Gene quickly became known as "Mr. Bruno" throughout SW Washington area elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to school pictures, Gene was also an extremely talented portrait photographer as well as a premier wedding photographer. Gene rarely, if every went anywhere without his favorite cameras. Everywhere and every place Gene went was a "photographic opportunity" (Photo Op). Gene's interests were not confined to just photography. He collected, restored and repaired cameras. He was also a member of the Beaver Chapter in the Ford Model A Club of America. He once purchased and completely restored a 1930 Ford Model A 2-Door Sedan, which he and his daughter enjoyed many Sunday drives and activities with the club. In addition to his love of photography, he also loved gardening and had a very impressive Koi Pond in his backyard that he built and created himself. He named this little pond "Our Little Lake Lorenz". Gene also considered himself to be a "master" chef and was particularly good at barbequing and smoking just about any kind of fish, foul and beef. Gene Lorenz's always smiling face was loved by many and will be missed by all. Gene was interred at Evergreen Memorial Gardens 1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA on Thursday: July 18th at 3pm. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held for Gene on Sunday: August 18th at 4pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 9900 SE Mill Plain Blvd. Vancouver, WA.

Eugene"Gene" Richard Lorenz

January 1, 1947 - July 10, 2013