Arthur Gagnon

Arthur Ernest Gagnon, 81, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 24, 2011 after a lengthy illness. His family was at his side. Art was born February 23, 1930 in Albany, New York to Edouard Romeo Gagnon and Jeannette Rose (LeBuis) Gagnon. He graduated from Vincentian Institute High School, Albany, NY in 1948. Two years later he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for twenty years. Art loved his work as an aircraft mechanic, stationed at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona. There he met his wife, Delores Maye Edwards of Emmetsburg, Iowa, marrying her on February 28, 1953. Other assignments in Art’s military career included Korea, Japan, England, France, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Michigan. In 1971 he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. The family moved to Colorado Springs where Art worked as the host at the U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor Center. He enjoyed meeting people from around the world. After twenty years, he retired from civil service in 1992. From 1993 until 2010 he enjoyed working as a starter and course marshal at Silver Spruce Golf Course, Peterson AFB, CO. Art was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Retired Enlisted Association, and Disabled American Veterans. He had a strong love for baseball and enjoyed umpiring in the city at the high school and college level. In later years while spending the winters in Mesa, Arizona, he had the privilege of working with the Chicago Cubs at HoHoKam Stadium during Spring Training. Other activities he thoroughly enjoyed were golfing, bowling, camping, and tending his beautiful yard. Art is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Delores Gagnon, and three children; Lt Colonel (Ret) James Gagnon (Catherine), Gail Sprenger (Steven), and David Gagnon (Laurel). He was a doting grandpa to Jacqueline Gagnon, 1Lt Joseph Gagnon, David Sprenger, Brian Sprenger (Lisa), Julie Sprenger, James Gagnon, Robert Gagnon, and Daniel Gagnon—also a great grandpa to Charlie and Henry Sprenger. Also surviving are Art’s sister, Jeannine Mueller, of Rochester, NY, brother-in-law, Lyle Edwards (Betty) of Emmetsburg, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews. To everyone he met, Art was a real friend. He had a caring nature and great sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband and a nurturing father and mentor who loved the Lord and influenced his family to follow Him. A Memorial Mass in his honor will be held in Colorado Springs at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Monday, 4 April 2011 at 2:00 PM, with a reception to follow at 4:00 PM at The Retired Enlisted Association, 834 Emory Circle (SE corner of Galley Rd and Murray Blvd) in Colorado Springs. Donations may be made to your favorite charity, or flowers are welcome.