In loving memory of Jean Louis (John) Gagnon who passed away on Monday, May 1, 2017, at 90 years of age. John was born in Fabre Quebec in 1927 to the late Albert and Bertha (Daigle) and moved to Espanola in 1945, then to Sudbury in 1951 to work at INCO. He later met and wed his beloved wife Jeannine (nee Potvin) in 1954. Loving father of Robert “Bob” (Irene) of Sudbury, Yvon “Ivan” (Joanne) of Waterloo, Louise Tessier of Dallas Texas, Paul (Sophie Huneault) of Sudbury. Cherished grandfather of Nadine (Eirik Herskedal), Christine, Christopher, Nicole, Veronique, Eric and Anthony-Paul. Great grandfather of Fredrik and Nikolas Herskedal. Dear brother of Felix pre-deceased (Ernestine) of Hamilton, Helene (Leon Audet) of Sudbury, Gerard (Therese) of Meaford, Yvette (Robert Page pre-deceased) of Gatineau QC, Simone (Henri Claude St-Amour) of Gatineau QC, Yolande (Lionel Labelle) both pre-deceased of Temikaming QC, Yves pre-deceased of Fabre QC, Camille (Eveline) of Temiskaming QC. John dedicated over 60 years of his life fighting for Health and Safety and compensation for his fellow workers and their families, all victims of an industrial disease that was only recognized due to his persistent determination. He was the devoted Chairman of USWA local 6500 Sintering Plant Action Committee and was extremely proud of his contribution to bringing the Cancer Treatment Centre to Sudbury. His selfless efforts were acknowledged when he received the Governor General’s “Caring Canadian Award” in 2004, the “Order of Ontario” in 2010 as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. John was the recipient of many other awards from the United Steelworkers, the Knights of Columbus and many appreciative families for his tireless efforts for justice. He was a proud 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Council 2633 in Sudbury as well as Council 12169 in Sturgeon Falls. He lived in Sudbury until 1974 and Hanmer until 1996 when he moved to his cottage in Sturgeon Falls where he was blessed with many more lifelong friends. He always said he was a fortunate man because of the support of his family and friends over the years. John and Jeannine moved back to Sudbury in 2010 due to illness and remained together taking care of each other. His favorite song was “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine” which he sang to Jeannine frequently. Donations on his behalf to Alzheimer Society of Sudbury would be appreciated. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2017 - 10:30 a.m. at St. Jean de Brebeuf Church, 26 Kathleen St., Sudbury followed by a “Celebration of Life” at the Steelworkers Hall at 2 p.m.
Our sincere sympathy on your loss of John, with deep appreciation for a life well lived, filled with kindness and friendship.
From the Family of the late Ester & Emil Nelson of Sturgeon Falls
May 10, 2017
Our sympathies to the family of John Gagnon. John’s name was mentioned in our household many times. Often when John’s name appeared in the media. John was the voice for our father who worked in the Sinter Plant and developed industrial disease till his death in 1979 at the age of 58. So I can hope that John is resting peacefully and that his family must be proud to know how many families he cared to help.
May 6, 2017