Douglas County’s trio of commissioners issued a statement Monday, mourning the passing of Vietnam War veteran and Douglas County resident Mel Cheney.

Cheney passed away on March 17 at the age of 71. Commissioners Tim Freeman, Chris Boice and Tom Kress sent condolences to Cheney’s wife, children and grandchildren, as well as the many lives he touched in Douglas County.

A six-year Army vet, Cheney moved to Roseburg in 2001 when he was hired as the Executive Director at the Roseburg Community Cancer Center, according to the release.

Cheney dedicated much of his life to the care of cancer patients. He ran multiple cancer facilities, started an associate degree program in radiation therapy at a community college and started two radiation therapy programs.

Cheney was also a longtime chair and member of the Douglas County Veterans Advisory Council, and also served on boards for the Community Cancer Center, YMCA, Roseburg Rod & Gun Club, Home Owners Association, Roseburg Executive Club, Josh Bidwell Foundation, Casa de Belen, Rotary and the Roseburg City Council.