Edward Gagnon

Ed Gagnon passed away on May 10, 2011. He was being treated at Medcenter One in Bismarck, ND, from esophageal cancer. A memorial service to celebrate his life is scheduled for 11 AM on Saturday, May 21, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, ND 58503 701-223-1100. This facility is located just north of the Ward Road exit off I-94 on the west end of town just before crossing the Missouri interstate bridge. A luncheon will be served after the memorial. Family and friends are invited to bring a poem, a book passage, a song, an artifact, or a story that reminds them of Ed?s life to share at the service. Ed was born in Valley City, ND on July 7, 1951, to Woody and Renee Patterson Gagnon. His family moved to Bismarck in 1961. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1969 and from the University of North Dakota in 1973 with a degree in Elementary Education. Ed pursued a Masters in history at the University of North Dakota and was a lifelong student of past and present world affairs, reading constantly about people worldwide and their cultural history. He also enjoyed telling others about what he had learned and related vivid stories of his travels and experiences. Ed also had a passion for poetry writing, piano playing, and gourmet cooking, all of which he learned himself by doing these things most days. He taught in Denver, Colorado, and returned to North Dakota in the mid 80?s where he taught and then was a caregiver to his aging parents for twenty years. He tended 80 rose bushes at the family home and took fresh roses to special events and people he wanted to cheer up. Ed will be remembered for his care and support of others, his memorable stories, his collecting of art and artifacts, and for his general love of life and people. He is survived by his brother George and sister-in-law Michelle Collay in Oakland, California who are parents of his nephew Von Gagnon and niece Nina Collay. He was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to a library, the state historical society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. His family appreciated the care he received from doctors, nurses, and staff at the hospital.

Edward Gagnon

July 7, 1951 - May 10, 2011