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99 years old in 2008, Eugene Vacher has been living at the same El Cajon address all his life. An accomplished mandolin player, he earned his music degree from San Diego State College in 1935 and played and conducted in several military bands during his 20 years in the U.S. Army.
After graduating, he played with the San Diego Symphony, before spending around 20 years teaching music in area schools. While at his alma mater Grossmont High, he helped establish the Grossmont High School Band.
Among the local ensembles he's played with are the City Guard Band and the San Diego Mandolin Orchestra. He conducted the San Diego City Guard Band for over thirty years.
He passed away September 16, 2010, at his El Cajon home.