Obituary of Arthur J. Gagnon

Arthur J. Gagnon, “The Steam Shovel Man”, 87, of Peabody, loving husband of the late Madeline (Spence) Gagnon with whom he shared 59 years of marriage, died on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at the Masconomet Healthcare Center in Topsfield with his cherished family at his side. Mr. Gagnon was born in Lynn on August 9, 1921 the son of the late John N. and Yvonne (LaBrie) Gagnon. He was raised in Lynn, attended and graduated from Lynn English High School where he excelled in hockey and football. On August 16, 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with the Seabees as a Machinist Mate 2/c and was stationed in Williamsburg, VA, with the 131st NCB at Pearl Harbor and was honorably discharged on December 6, 1945 from Boston. He resided in Peabody for most of his life. Prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Gagnon started his working career at the Wright Contracting Company where he returned following WWII. In 1950, he founded Gagnon Welding and Contracting in Peabody. As the company’s president until his retirement in 2002, he dredged numerous marinas and created many ponds within the Northeast. As an avid supporter of the Boston Bruins Hockey Team, he chartered many of the 70’s Bruins players aboard his tuna boat the “Madge”, named after his wife, for fishing expeditions. Arthur will be well remembered for his love of tuna fishing, boats, repairing heavy equipment, animals and socializing with friends and playing keno at the Anchor in Beverly. Mr. Gagnon was also known for having “great ingenuity” and could fix any problem, whether small or large, with duct tape, rope and hot glue. Mr. Gagnon is survived by his children and their spouses, Robert A. and Pamela A. Gagnon of Danvers, and Diane E. and David P. Symmes of Amesbury; 2 sisters, Claire Gagnon and May Miles of Lynn; his grandchildren, Danielle M. Gagnon of Boxford and her significant other Justin Grant, Rob P. Gagnon and his wife Peggy, David A. Symmes and his wife Jennifer all of Danvers; a cherished great grandson, Caden Symmes of Danvers; special friends, Jean, Cynthia and Walter and many beloved nieces, nephews and other friends. His brother Robert Gagnon, a granddaughter Elizabeth Symmes, a great granddaughter Madeleine Symmes and his beloved constant companion, his dog Weeble predeceased him. His funeral will be held on Monday, May 4, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. (facility) Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970 www.northeastanimalshelter.org