Paul E. Gagne
HIGHGATE: Paul E. Gagne, age 70, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at his home surrounded by his wife and children, after a 20-month battle with multiple myeloma.
He was born in St. Albans on June 5, 1949, to the late Rosaire & Rachel (Bilodeau) Gagne.
Paul attended Highgate High School. He and Linda were married on September 1, 1973. Paul served in the St. Albans branch of the Vermont National Guard for six years, started his work career at Union Carbide, and then worked at IBM, where he retired. Paul was a skilled woodworker; from milling lumber to building cabinets and fine furniture, a talent in which he left to both of his children. He looked forward to yearly hunting trips to Pennsylvania with family. In his earlier years, he spent time camping with family and special friends. He was passionate about antique cars, loved collecting tractors and constructing and flying model airplanes. Above all, his grandchildren brought the most joy to his life, and “Grandpa” will surely be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife, Linda (Freeman) Gagne of Highgate; children, Robin Gagne and her wife, Laura Petig, of Highgate, Brian Gagne and his partner, Krista Harrison, of St. Albans; grandchildren, Paiton and Hunter Gagne of St. Albans and Averi Harrison of St. Albans; siblings, Arlene Durkee, his twin sister Pauline Klassen, Richard Gagne and his friend, Barb Long, Gerald Gagne and his wife Bonnie, Ernest Gagne and his wife, Arlene, Rene Gagne and his wife, Ann, and David Gagne and his partner, Tina Gabree; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Madeline Freeman; godchildren, Ashley Martin, Jordan Vorse, Angela Meyer, and David Gagne; and several nieces, nephews, and special friends. Besides his parents, Paul was predeceased by his son, Steven Robert Gagne on December 9, 1978; brother-in-law, John Durkee; sister-in-law, Pamela Gagne; and special friends, Tommy Mulheron and James Letourneau.
For those who wish, contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 110 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05401, or the Jim Bashaw Cancer & Catastrophic Illness Fund, c/o Northwestern Medical Center, 133 Fairfield Street St. Albans, VT 05478.
A celebration of Paul’s life will take place at a later date, when restrictions are lifted.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Julien Sprague, nurse, Joanne Neilson, and all the other nursing staff at the University of VT Medical Center Oncology Department and the Miller 5th Floor, during Paul’s 20-month battle with multiple myeloma. A special thank you to Jessica Hansen for going above and beyond her nursing duties for Paul, and Sheree Martel with Franklin County Home Health and Hospice.
“God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he wrapped his arms around you and whispered, “Come with Me.” With tearful eyes, we watched you and saw you fade away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, your tender hands at rest. God took you home to prove to us he only takes the best.”
Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com
