"Peggy, Greg, and Jeff and families, Even though I'm in Washington state, I send my prayers and thoughts to you in Michigan. My son Dan and family also are remembering you in prayer. You'll be in my prayers throughout this week and many more. God bless, Nancy Holdwick"
In loving memory of
WILLIAM ROBERT GAGNON
November 23, 1936 - April 25, 2008
William Robert "Bill" Gagnon, 71, of 754 Lakewood Lane, entered eternal life Friday, April 25 at D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, where he had been a patient for two days, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in the small southern New England town of Attleboro, Massachusetts November 23, 1936, the son of William and Arlene (Westaver) Gagnon. He went to a vocational high school to learn the trade of tool and die making, graduating in 1954.
He worked in a tool and die shop until his 18th birthday and decided to join the United States Air Force in 1954 as a jet fighter mechanic. He had extensive training in this field during his 20 year service to his country. Among his many assignments were Otis AFB Cape Cod, MA; Goose Bay, Labrador; Hamilton AFB, CA; Oxnard AFB, CA; El Centro Naval Air Station, CA; Williams AFB, AZ; Rhine Main AFB, Germany; Incirlik AFB, Turkey; and Korat AFB, Thailand during the Vietnam War. In Thailand he was in charge of 12 F4E Fighters and 54 mechanics with around the clock operations. His last assignment before retiring with rank of Msgt in 1974 was Kirtland AFB, NM where he became a line chief in charge of 15 F4E Fighters and 8 T38 chase aircraft along with 60 mechanics.
From New Mexico he and his family moved to Marquette, Michigan where he started a career at Marquette General Hospital in the maintenance department. While at MGH he worked in the plumbing, heating and mechanical trades, retiring in January of 1998 after 23 years of services.
On May 13, 1964 he married his first wife Mary Elizabeth Frisk, a Marquette native, while on assignment at Williams AFB in Arizona. His first son was born there in February of 1965. Their second son was born while on assignment in Turkey in May of 1969. They were married for 13 years before Mary succumbed to ALS in 1977. He later met and married his current and loving wife Margaret "Peggy" (Coolman) Short, adding two more children to his family.
He was a devout Catholic. He served his community and parish willingly as a member of St. Louis the King Church, the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Harvey Council 6447 and held the office of Grand Knight from 2001 - 2003. He was also a member of the 4th degree Snowshoe Priest Assembly 469. In 2006 he proudly accepted the title of Color Corps Commander for the Knights of Columbus. He served in this post until his illness prevented him from fulfilling his duties. He regretfully stepped down in April 2007.
Bill was a member of the American Legion Post #44, the Air Force Sergeants Association and was a past member of the West Branch Sportsmen's Club. He was an avid deer hunter, enjoying many years at "Camp BS" (Bill Larsch and Sully Young). He enjoyed fishing and long walks in the outdoors with his various dogs over the years. Being in the outdoors, harvesting firewood and gardening were his other passions.
Survivors include his wife of over 30 years, Peggy, of Marquette; a sister Shirley (Tom) Rooney of Hopkinton, NH; two sons, Gregory (Darlene) Gagnon, and Jeffery Gagnon both of Marquette; step children, Debby (Cam) Monty of Skandia and Rodney (Laurie) Short of Marquette; grandchildren, William and Alexander Gagnon of Marquette; step grandchildren, Christopher (Melissa) Antcliff of Cedar Rapids, IA; Sarah and Kathryn Gauthier of Skandia; and Joseph and Caitlin Short of Marquette; and a step great grandson Zander Antcliff of Cedar Rapids, IA; mother-in-law, Vernie Coolman of Marquette; brothers-in-law, Chuck Coolman and Neal (Mary Beth) Coolman both of Marquette; sisters-in-law, Cam Frisk of Denver, CO and Louise Frisk of Marquette; and many nieces and nephews across the country.
Preceding him in death were his first wife Mary Elizabeth (Frisk) Gagnon; his parents William and Arlene Gagnon; his in-laws John and Delcie Frisk; his brother-in-law John D. "Jack" Frisk; and his father-in-law Wally Coolman.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 30th with Father Ben Paris officiating & Deacon David Adler assisting. Family will greet friends and relatives for visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at St. Louis the King Church. Pallbearers will be: Doug Young, Brett Young, Ward Young, Scott Young, Rock Young and Mike Young.
In lieu of flowers, memorial considerations, in Bill's memory, are preferred and may be directed to Lake Superior Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Nukala and staff, Lake Superior Hospice Association—especially his caregivers James and Paul, and the caregivers at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Tributes
"I remember when my sister and I would go to grandpa & grandma's house,for the weekend and when we would be watching t.v grandpa would come in the room and he would surprise tickle us. He loved just having us around the house and we loved him very much and i know that he loved us very much,I'm glad he's not suffering anymore and i will miss him very much but know hes in a better place, Love you very much grandpa bill. Love, your granddaughter Sarah Arlene Gauthier"
"You fought a long, hard battle, Billy, which you did with dignity. I have wonderful childhood memories of us as children and know you are at peace with the Lord and loved loves before you. I will miss you so.... Rest in peace, dear brother, warrior and friend."
"To my fellow Sir Knight and Air Force retiree, God speed. You have earned a rest. May we meet again. You were a great Color Corp Commander."
"I did not know Bill well. But for 15 years he was a friendly face that I passed in the hallways of Marquette General Hospital. He always had a smile and a warm hello that could brighten the worst of workdays. He will certainly be missed my many people. My prayers go out for his family and friends."
"Peggy, Jeff and Greg, My heart and thoughts are with you during this time. Bill was a wonderful man who will be missed by many."
"Jeff, Greg and family... I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. My heart goes out to you. I will keep your family in my prayers. Carol Clement"
"Jeff, sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord give all of you the strength to get through this very difficult time. May peace be with you all..."
"Jeffery Sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"Jeff and Greg, we are so very sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Scott, Tricia, Courtney and Kimber Guidebeck"
"Your family is in our prayers."
"He was a beautiful man who led a full and inspirational life. We are deeply saddened by his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. Love, Chris, Lis, and Zander"
"I AM A RETIRED R.N. FROM MGH AND WORKED WITH BILL FROM 1975 UNTIL HIS RETIREMENT. WE ALWAYS HOPED BILL WOULD ANSWER OUR REQUESTS FOR ANY PROBLEMS ON OUR UNIT. HE WAS UNFAILINGLY THE KINDEST, NICEST, AND MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE MAN. THE WORLD IS A SADDER PLACE WITHOUT HIM BUT OH, JUST THINK HOW MUCH BRIGHTER HEAVEN IS!"
"Please accept our condolences for your loss"
"Jeff, The girls and I send you and your family our deepest sympathy. Be comforted by the love and prayers coming your way. Sincerely, Lori Selmser, Andrea and Jocelyn"
"Our hearts are with you and all the family."