Arthur (Wilf) Wilfred Gagnon Obituary (1932 - 2024)

Wilf passed peacefully at Campbell River and District Hospital, at 91 years of age. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Joseph and Marie Gagnon, Dad and his 8 siblings Alfred, Art, Diane, Florence, Gladys, Henry Jean and Maurice were raised on a farm near Mulvihill in Southern Manitoba. In September 1954, he married the love of his life Rena Mae Carpenter, they had 5 children and shared 42 years together. Wilf is survived by his son Greg(Brenda), daughters Susan (Allen), Shannon, Melody (Greg); grandchildren Stacey, Scott, Jenelle, Jaryn and Rena, great grandsons Ayden, Austyn, Carter, Colton, Caiden, brother Art, sister Diane, sister-in-law Anne and brother-in-law Harry, special friend Dorothy numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Rena, son Wilfie, grandson Justin, Shannon's partner Shirley, his parents and 6 brothers, sisters and numerous in-laws. Dad spent his early working years employed in Northern Ontario as an OPP and delivering milk. Wilf and Rena's first 4 children Greg, Wilfie, Susan and Shannon were born in Kenora, Ontario where Dad began his career as an automotive mechanic . They moved to Winnipeg and then a farm in the Lundar area when their youngest daughter Melody was born at the Ericksdale Hospital. In 1971 the family headed North to Gillam where Dad Worked for Comstock, ran the local garage, started a corner store, taxi company and U-drive business. In 1979 Rena, Wilf, Wilfie and Melody moved to Campbell River where Dad ran Gagnon Motors until the time of his retirement from full time work. He then jumped into being a Bailiff in the collection business. Dad liked to spend time fishing on the ocean in the boat he co-owned with Brandon. Mom, Dad and Mel spent many hours going for drives and exploring areas on the Island. Dad was an avid volunteer, active in the community with the local Lions Club, Royal Canadian Legion, Citizens on Patrol, Child Find, Comox Valley Life Line to name a few. In his later years he was the caretaker of the 6 unit senior's apartment complex he lived in and took great pride in manicuring the lawns and tending the flowers he planted in the flower boxes he built. He built and repaired clocks and had a large collection. He frequented local restaurants and enjoyed his Sunday morning tea and toast with friends Dick and Rodger. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Robert Ramsey and the nursing staff on Floor 3D at the Campbell River and District Hospital for the care they provided over the last 5 months and during Dad's final days. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Campbell River Legion, Campbell River BC with internment at Elk Falls Cemetery followed by a lunch back at the Legion.