William Robert Gagnon
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He was born in the small southern New England town of Attleboro, Mass., on 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 Air Force Base, Cape Cod, Mass.; Goose Bay, Labrador; Hamilton AFB, Calif.; Oxnard AFB, Calif.; El Centro Naval Air Station, Calif.; Williams AFB, Ariz.; 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, N.M., 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, Mich., 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 1998 after 23 years of service.
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 1965. Their second son was born while on assignment in Turkey in May 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 2001-03. 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 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, N.H.; two sons, Gregory (Darlene) Gagnon and Jeffery Gagnon, both of Marquette; stepchildren, 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, Iowa, Sarah and Kathryn Gauthier of Skandia, and Joseph and Caitlin Short of Marquette; and a step-great-grandson, Zander Antcliff of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 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, Colo., 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 noon on Wednesday, April 30, with Father Ben Paris officiating and Deacon David Adler assisting. Family will greet friends and relatives for visitation from 10 a.m. to 12 noon 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 Ave., 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.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.canalefuneral.com
