Eugene Harry Lombard, 56, of Mountain Center, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2000, at Hemet Valley Medical Center. Cause of death is pending a doctor’s report.

Mr. Lombard grew up in Cudahay, Calif., near Los Angeles. He lived in Idyllwild and Mountain Center for more than 30 years.

He was a biology professor at Mt. San Jacinto College for more than 30 years and had retired in 1998.

Mr. Lombard is especially noted for discovering a new species of marine dinoflagellate, Peridinium gregarium lombard, and also for his marine algae research and years of biological field trips with his classes all over Southern California.

He was a former president of the Academic Senate and received a community award of Outstanding Teacher of the Year. He was a member of the Western Naturalist Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Mr. Lombard loved sailing, photography, camping, hiking, woodworking and creative teaching. His interest in science and the outdoors began as an Eagle Scout and he continued a lifelong affiliation with the Boy Scouts.

A memorial service is planned for May 18, graduation day, at Mt. San Jacinto College. Miller-Jones Mortuary and Crematory is handling arrangements.

He is survived by a son, Jason Lombard, of Syracuse, New York; and aunts and cousins.

Donations may be made to MSJC Foundation, marked for the Gene Lombard Memorial Scholarship Fund, and mailed to 1499 N. State St., San Jacinto, CA 92583.