Obituary of Willard Lucas

Willard Lucas was truly a man of the river. Born and raised on the rugged Rogue River in Southern Oregon he claimed to have built his first boat at the age of three. He was an experienced river guide in his teens and went on to proficiency on many well known white water streams. He ran the Rogue, Illinois, Oyhee, and McKenzie in Oregon and the Middle Fork of Salmon River of Idaho numerous times. When not running rivers Willard honed his skills as a boat builder and many of his "McKenzie River" Dories are still out on the water even though the last one was built in 1976. In 1976 Willard and his wife, Maryanne took over management of the Lucas Pioneer Ranch and Lodge at Agness, upon the death of his father Larry Lucas. There they provided unique hospitality to river travelers until retirement in 1998. Willard truly loved the Wild Rogue Country that had been the center of his life since infancy. It was always on his mind as he retired to Eugene due to health reasons. Willard followed his beloved wife, his high-school sweetheart, in death late Thursday, January 31st. Maryanne had gone ahead of him to be with the Lord in April of last year.Willard was born Feb. 28, 1927. After his growing up years in Agness, he attended Myrtle Point High School until enlisting in the Navy in May of 1945, eventually serving on the Island of Guam, until being discharged in July 1946. A semester at the University of Oregon convinced Willard that "studies" were not his thing. He would eventually spend time working in local mills and even a stint as a Eugene Patrol Officer. But the river kept calling him and thus he spent most of his working years on the water or in his boat shop, or serving traveler's on the river.Willard is survived by his children; Melinda Mross & Gene of Eugene, Larry Lucas & Echo of Eugene, Nancy Tullius & Gregg of Salem, & Patrick Lucas & Patricia of Beijing, China. His grandchildren; Joseph Mross of Eugene, Laurie Cox of Eugene, Bethany Cole of Los Angeles, Michelle Provost of Atlanta, Tiffany Lucas of Fallbrook, CA., Chrystal Plum of Jefferson, OR., Cielle Lucas of Seattle, Kyrie Lucas of Beijing, Alaia Lucas of Beijing, Saret Lucas of Beijing, and by great-grandchildren; Andrew Mross of Eugene, Gabriel Evans of Fallbrook, Joshua Miller of Jefferson, OR., & Adrian Cole of Los Angeles. Willard is also survived by three sisers; Corlyss McCullough of Walterville, Donna Bosman of Eagle Point and Larryan Gerondale of Elizabeth, Colorado.A private celebration of life will be held February 10th. A public service is scheduled for July 20, 2013 Gold Beach, Oregon. Go to www.lucaslodgeoregon.com for more information.Dad you have now crossed over your biggest, most powerful river. We all know how much you wanted to see Mom again. We will miss you, but will look forward to seeing you both again on the other shore.Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary.Please sign guest book at musgroves.com.