The life of the Chapel of Awareness and its school is maintained through the voluntary efforts of its many Ministers, Ordained Healers, and Staff Students. We would like to share with you a bit of ourselves and our many Spirit friends. Thank you for visiting with us.

Rev. Dr. Eugene C. Larr, who passed away February 23, 2006, was born in Woodward, Oklahoma on August 13, 1927. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lorena Larr, and his sister, Oleta May Davis. He is survived by brother-in-law, Don Davis of El Mirage, nephew Jimmy Davis of Yuma, Arizona, grandnephews, Ely and Eric Davis, niece, Karen Sicard, of Henderson, Nevada, and grandnieces, Jennifer and Colleen Schilling.

His passing was due to his decision to forego dialysis treatments which, along with numerous other health issues he had endured for years which precluded a quality life.

Gene's life was filled with adventure and learning. His love of education earned him several degrees: Ph.D's in Stratigraphic Micropaleontology and Religious Science, and Masters Degrees in Astronomy, Biology and Geology. This background enabled him to know several notable people such as Einstein and Fermi. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He owned an optical firm in Denver at one time which was instrumental in making the camera lenses for the Mars Lander. Also, he designed the optical alignment system for welding the second stage of the Saturn moon rocket fuel tanks.

At an early age, Dr. Larr, who was raised Southern Baptist, began a spiritual pursuit to find his answers to "religion." His personal views conflicted with the Baptist philosophy, and after years of searching, founded a church in Encinitas, in 1973, called the Chapel of Awareness Spiritual Church.

His study of theology gave him an appreciation of the healing that Jesus did, and he coupled that with his knowledge of the Buddhistic practice of meditation. On this basis, he introduced a simple format to become the philosophy of the Chapel: "love ye one another" as Jesus said and, the Buddhistic Karma "you are responsible for your actions." The Chapel is also a school which teaches people how to take control over their lives and to live life in peace, love and harmony. More than 8,000 students have attended classes since 1973.

Larr's devotion to helping others was evident in his everyday life. He gave of himself tirelessly to assist others in need. He was a brilliant and accomplished healer which, many times, gave those who came to him literally another chance at life. His own life was filled with pain and ill health, but through his knowledge of healing he was able to assist himself, time and again, to overcome it and to go on. He taught others the same techniques thus enabling them to heal themselves.

He was a fine psychic and trance-medium and taught others these skills. He shunned the spotlight, favoring instead to just go about his business in a low-key manner. His ability to trance and allow his spirit teachers to speak to the public assisted others along their paths in life.

He shall long be remembered for his many roles in many lives. He was a teacher, an educator, a mentor, a friend and an example to others. He truly lived by the saying "you are responsible for your actions." He lived every minute of his life "his" way, taking the time to smell the flowers and enjoy every second granted him. His presence will be greatly missed.