Gene LaMont Shillinger passed away on May 5, 2020, at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia at the age of 76. The oldest of five children, he was born to George and Coy Shillinger on Oct. 11, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

After moving to Kansas City, Missouri for several years, the family returned to the Northwest, settling in Sedro Woolley, Washington. LaMont graduated from Sedro Woolley High School in 1961. While attending Skagit Valley College, he met his wife, Barbara House, and the two were married on Oct. 18, 1963. He graduated from Western Washington University in 1966 and then moved to Aberdeen, Washington to begin his teaching career. He later completed a Master’s degree from the University of Idaho in 1970. Mr. Shillinger was a well-liked presence at Aberdeen High School for 33 years teaching English, Photography, Journalism and advising the newspaper and yearbook staff among many other responsibilities. Upon retiring in 2002, he then taught at Hoquiam High School for four years.

LaMont was an accomplished photographer who specialized in weddings. He documented hundreds of weddings over the years and had a particular fondness for the weddings of his former students. He was also a prolific volunteer to many service clubs and charities throughout his over 50 years in Grays Harbor County. Among those organizations were the Grays Harbor Community Clothing Bank, Saint Mary’s Feed the Hungry, Salvation Army, Lion’s Club, Habitat for Humanity and the Aberdeen Museum of History. In the little spare time that he had, he loved to read, cook, bike and attend his sons’ many soccer, baseball and football games. In his later years, he especially loved spending time with his dogs.

LaMont is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Barbara. He is also survived by daughter Connie of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sons Steven of Cosmopolis, Kirk of Vancouver, Washington and Corey of Tempe, Arizona and six grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Annette Shillinger of Renton, Washington and Roxanne Collier of Bellingham, Washington; brothers Kim of Astoria, Oregon and Mark of Kelso, Washington as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins and his dog, Poki. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Coy; sons Eric (2013) and Kevin (2004); and niece Jamie Collier (2001).

The family requests contributions be made to PAWS of Aberdeen, Caring for Poor and Orphaned Children(CPOC), Habitat for Humanity of Grays Harbor, Lion’s Club Bicycles From Heaven or Chaplains on the Harbor. To share memories or express condolences, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com Arrangements by Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.

A celebration of life will be planned once social distancing guidelines are relaxed.