Leo G. Gagnon 71, of Goffstown, passed away on December 19, 2012 after a long courageous battle with prostate cancer.
Born March 30, 1941 in Manchester, NH to Raoul and Germaine (Jacques) Gagnon. He is a graduate of Bishop Bradley High School, class of 1959. Leo was employed and retired from Velcro USA after 35 years of service.
Mr. Gagnon was active in his parishes of St. Edmond and the Parish of the Transfiguration. He loved to travel and explore nature and new places which he captured through his photography. He was a Hunter Safety instructor for the State of NH for over 25 years and was a past member of the Goffstown Fish and Game club.
He had a passion for Native American Culture and Spirituality. In his many travels and exploration of antique shops, he collected many artifacts and memorabilia which he proudly displayed. Upon retirement he began sharing his passion with others by giving presentations and lectures in various venues in Southern NH and also became a presenter at Granite State College OLLI. He travelled to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota on 2 mission trips to deliver food and clothing to the Native Community as part of Four Directions Outreach. He has also visited several other reservations in other parts of the country.
He is predeceased by two sisters, Marcelle Sauve and Florence Bennett of Manchester, NH and one brother, Rene Gagnon, also of Manchester, NH
He is survived by his wife and best friend of 49 years Monique (Provost); his 5 daughters, Suzanne Hjelm and her husband David of Belmont, NH, Madeleine Couture and her husband Richard and Joanne Cunningham and her husband Thomas both of Manchester, NH, Louise L’Heureux and her husband Marc of Allenstown, NH, and Julie Lantiegne and her husband James of Ventura, Ca.
He was the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren: Sarah (Hjelm) Robinson, Benjamin Hjelm; Justin, Rene, and Amber-Rose Couture; Patrick, Kimberly, Alyssa, and Matthew L’Heureux; Joshua, Jacob, Jonathan, and Jared Lantiegne; Samantha, Thomas Jr. and Kasaundra Cunningham. He also leaves behind nieces nephews, cousins and close friends.
A funeral Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Monday, December 24, 2012 at the Parish of the Transfiguration, corner of Kelley and Alsace Sts, Manchester, NH 03102.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 4Directions Outreach, Hooksett Rd. Hooksett, NH 03106, c/o Shirley Bear.