Adrien B. Gagnon

WEBSTERVILLE - Adrien B. Gagnon took his final journey on April 12, 2015, which also happens to be the birthday of his wife, Solange whom he has now joined in heaven. He lost his hard fought battle with complications from COPD with his family by his side. The past year proved extremely trying for him with the presence of several ailments, and he fought so hard and was not leaving his family without a fight. What a trooper he proved to be and you could see his determination right up to his last breath. His family provided unconditional care, comfort, and support and was able to keep him in the comforts of his home.

Born on January 1, 1936 in Compton, Quebec, Adrien was one of eleven children of Alfred and Medora (Fontaine) Gagnon.

On July 11, 1959, he married Solange A. Ouimette who passed away on February 8, 2013. In 1960, they moved from Canada to the Barre, VT area. They later moved to their present home in Websterville, VT in 1969.

Adrien was previously employed by Williams Motor Transfer, Granite Industries of Vermont, and Burrell Roofing Company where he retired after 47 years. He was a dedicated employee who thought of the Burrell’s as his second family.

His greatest achievement was his family of which provided him with much pride and joy.
In earlier years, Adrien loved working in the woods and in particular a camp with his brother, Nil in Williamstown. They loved boiling maple syrup. The experience ended up providing minimal syrup and an abundance of wonderful memories. He also loved tinkering on anything that had a small motor. In particular, he found a hobby in old tractors and had many of them throughout the years. He could often be seen driving his grandchildren and great-grandsons on the tractor up and down Bolster Road with the kids tooting the horn endlessly.

Survivors include his four daughters: S. Francine Beede and her husband, Charles (Chuck) of Williamstown, VT, Colette Gagnon and her companion, Claude Ayotte of Lac de Plage, Quebec, Nancy Dutil and her husband, Mike of Barre, VT, and Tina Morrison and her husband, Kevin of Barnet, VT. He also leaves his precious grandchildren: Rachel Laggner and her husband, Daniel of Williamstown, VT, Renee Beede and her fiancé, Justin Holbrook of Websterville, VT, Danielle Thompson and her companion, David Ballanger of Montpelier, VT, Lizette Dutil of Barre, VT, and Aaron Morrison and Ally Morrison of Barnet, VT. In addition, there are five great-grandsons: Riley and Colby Laggner, Donovan and Jonathan Sicard, and Ryan Holbrook. Of course there is his beloved Pug Bud who provided him endless companionship and protection during his struggles of the last year.

He also leaves behind his brothers, Nil (Yvette) Gagnon, Elmore, VT, and Bertrand Gagnon and Laurier Gagnon of Coaticook, Quebec; his sisters, Bernadette Gadbois (Bob Welch) of Plattsburgh, NY, Lorraine Isabelle of Montpelier, VT, Fernande Lehoux, Marie-Marte Lafond, and Louisette Gagnon of Coaticook, Quebec; his in-laws, Roger and Lucille Lafond of Manchester, NH, Rachel and Theresa Ouimette, Albert Ouimette, Antoinette Ouimette ,Theresa Gagnon, and Edith Ouimette of Willimantic, CT, Carole Ouimette of VA, and Arthur Bissonette of Coaticook, Quebec. Lastly, Mon Oncle Marlo (as he was often called), and leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Adrien was liked by everyone he encountered. Known to many as Fred or Frenchie, he was often just “one of the boys” regardless of their age.

Adrien was predeceased by his wife, his parents, his brother, Armand Gagnon, his sister, Muriel Lavoie, his in-laws Conrad Gadbois, Andre Quimette, Leonard Quimette, Laurent Quimette, Real Lavoie, Leo Lafond, Maurice Lehoux, Martial Ouimette, Lucien and Therese Ouimette, Arthur Isabelle, Anita Gagnon, Georgette Dubriel, Hector and Cecile Roy, and Marie-Jeanne Bissonnette.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful care and support provided by Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice. Also, the staff of Central Vermont Medical Center who have all been phenomenal in providing excellent care throughout the years. Additional gratitude to Dr. Farm, Dr. Valentine, and the entire staff of the Oncology Department for guiding him through his most recent hurdle. Lastly, Dr. Robert Robinson (“Doc” as he was referred to) and his staff, whose support provided to both Adrien and Solange during the years is beyond words. All of these professionals have been a factor in giving Adrien peace and tranquility during his final days. He is now onto his final journey to reunite with his wife Solange. Both of them have left behind many tears of sadness but most importantly, so many everlasting wonderful memories that will continue to be passed down through the generations.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 79 Summer Street, Barre, VT. There are no calling hours. Entombment will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre, VT.