John Gagnon

KINGSFORD - John P. Gagnon, 82, of Kingsford, died Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. He was born on May 13, 1925, to Napoleon and Anna (Berg) Gagnon. John was raised in Kingsford Heights and graduated from Kingsford High School, the class of 1943. After graduation, he served in World War II in the U.S. Navy in San Francisco as an airplane mechanic. After returning home from the service on May 8, 1948, he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Provencher. After service in the U.S. Navy, he worked as an aviation mechanic at Ford Airport in Kingsford for a short time before accepting employment at the Niagara Paper Mill in Niagara, Wis. as a welder. He worked at the paper mill until his retirement at age 65. John was a dedicated husband and father of 10. His ardent love for his wife, Joyce, and family was demonstrated through the common interests he shared with them through hunting, fishing, gardening, and a host of experiences shared at the family camp. Everywhere he traveled, he was loved for his big heart. Many knew him from his articles in the local Daily News. However controversial at times, and in spite of potential criticism, he expressed his views in hopes that others would benefit. He always liked giving waitresses big tips so they would have more means to support their children. Also, it was commonplace for him to enjoy doing business with local business establishments for their greater good. He and his wife of 58 years enjoyed a rich, full, active life. Many happy memories were made at the family camp, on the dance floor, and in the family living room where he played music from his favorite collection. He was a steward of nature, made life better for all he could, and built a legacy that will be remembered forever. During his retirement years, he found most of his pleasure in looking after the needs of his wife during her time of need. Music had been a great comfort to him, even in his last years when he missed his wife most. He will always be remembered for his big heart and what he did for others. To all who knew John in the last year of his life, he always made reference to his wife as "everyone's angel" - and also, he was an angel too! He will be sadly missed and never forgotten. He leaves daughters Rebecca Robert, Gretchen (Art) Spera, Wendy (Keith) Zambon, Jeanne (Paul) Castor, and sons, Francis Gagnon, Ted (Holly) Gagnon, Perry (Michaela) Gagnon, Mark Gagnon, and John (Pam) Gagnon, and sister, Jeanette Schaut. He leaves his grandchildren, Kurt (Melissa) LaCourt, Kristy (John) Kelly, Kimberly Gagnon, Shawn Gagnon, Devon (Lisa) Gagnon, Nicole (Bryan) Komoroski, Raquel Gagnon, Kelsey (Aaron) Fleming, Dane Gagnon, Heather Bauer, Gabriel Spera, Caitlin Spera, Alexis Zambon, Lukas Zambon, Jeremy Perdue, Jason Perdue and Emily Perdue, 10 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his spouse, Joyce; infant son, Rocke; granddaughter, Camille Zambon; son-in-law, Bill Robert; and brother, Dick Gagnon. Visitation will be held at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home on Tuesday from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. David Anderson will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Quinnesec Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family of John P. Gagnon at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

John Gagnon

October 27, 1925 - October 27, 2007