Arnold Gagnon

Millinocket – Arnold E. Gagnon, 84, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at an Orono health care facility. He was born July 8, 1930 in Masardis, the son of Thomas and Meddie (Depre) Gagnon. Arnold grew up in Portage, and joined the U.S. Army in the early 1950’s. On April 22, 1957, he married Fern Lebel, and they enjoyed over 50 years together until her death in 2008. In 1962, Arnold and Fern moved to Millinocket. After two weeks working at Great Northern Paper Company, Arnold decided that what he really wanted to do was start his own upholstery business. He hung out his sign, Gagnon’s Upholstery, which he ran until 1974, when he went to work full time at GNP as a Wood Scaler until retiring in 1991. During the 1970’s and 80’s, Arnold planned family reunions that took place at his camp at Millinocket Lake. Arnold was totally devoted to Fern for many years, being her main caregiver during years when she was sick. During that time, he developed an interest in painting, which helped him relax. In spare time, Arnold enjoyed walking, watching westerns, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Arnold is survived by three children, Thomas Gagnon and his wife Margaret of Old Town, Trish Wark of Millinocket, and Jeanine Brown of North Sydney; four grandchildren, Matthew, Andrew, and Emily Wark, and Amanda Brown; a great grandson, Matix Michaud; two siblings, Ruth Coreau and Ellis Gagnon and his wife Irene; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, Arnold was predeceased by six siblings, Gilbert, Lillian, Nellie, Bernice, Larry, and Delphine. Friends are invited to visit with the family 6-8 P.M. Thursday, April 30 at the Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., where funeral services will be held 10 A.M. Friday, May 1. Spring interment will be at the Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Arnold may be sent to the Katahdin Area Support Group, P.O. Box 374, Millinocket, ME 04462.