Alfred "Fred" J. Gagnon Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Scarborough Alfred (Fred) J. Gagnon, Jr., 91, of Scarborough, died on May 27, 2021. He was born on November 17, 1929 in Westbrook, Maine, the son of Alfred and Alice (Dostie) Gagnon. He graduated from Westbrook High School in 1948. When he was growing up, Fred worked at his father's grocery store. He also drove the family business oil truck, delivering heating oil to customers, and occasionally driving it to school as well. After graduating, Fred went to work for the Burrough Corporation as a salesman. During that time, he was transferred to Canada and helped to open that territory. Eventually he returned to Portland and remained with Burrough as a salesman. After being drafted in the Korean War, he went into business for himself in the home improvement field. On February 19, 1955, Fred married the love of his life, Joan Kenney, and they had five children. The first time he set eyes on Joan he saw her walking down Congress Street and said to his friend, Harvey Bragdon, “I'm going to marry that girl some day!" Fred officially met Joan and asked her for a dance at the Old Falmouth Hotel on Middle Street in Portland. From that day on they loved dancing at the Morocco and Greymore Hotel Dance Clubs. When their children were growing up Fred went to work for his brother Henry as a real estate agent. He owned a number of properties in the Greater Portland area. He and Joan purchased the Diplomat Motel and Lodge in Old Orchard Beach, and in the summers Joan ran the business during the day and Fred ran it in the evenings. For many years after he retired, he and Joan spent their winters in Florida. For much of his life, Fred was an avid golfer in Maine and Florida. Although he considered himself an average golfer, he had a number of accomplishments. He was inducted into the Maine Golf Hall of Fame in 1999. He won four club championships at Sandalfoot, and two at Boca Green and Wycliffe. He was presented with the Green Jacket after he won the Maine Seniors Championship that was played at the York Country Club. He said he had the greatest caddy ever: Jesus. Fred had eight holes in one and aced every par three hole at Riverside Golf Course in Portland (this is documented in heaven). Fred was a very compassionate man. He loved visiting people with illnesses at veteran's homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. He would often bring them presents and chocolates to brighten their day. He loved talking to people and giving advice, and on many days around lunchtime he could be found at the Maine Mall, where he made many friends. Fred was predeceased by his wife Joan, of Scarborough; three brothers, Roger, Phil, and Henry, and two sisters, Violet and Lina. He is survived by his five children, Holly Morrill and her husband Jon, of Portland; Alfred (Fred) Gagnon, III and his wife Penny, of Scarborough; Scott and Donna Gagnon; Kelley Despres and her husband, David, of Westbrook, John Paul Gagnon and his wife, Carmela, of Portland, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Fred’s family would like to express its sincere gratitude to Loren and Lisa from Hospice of Southern Maine, the staff at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, and Kim and Barbara from Comfort Keepers, for taking such wonderful care of him during his illness and his journey from this life into Eternal Life. Visiting hours will be held at the Westbrook Chapel Dolby, Blais & Segee 35 Church Street, Westbrook, on Sunday, June 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. On Monday, June 7 at 11 a.m. a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 295 Brown Street, Westbrook, with burial to follow at Saint Hyacinth Cemetery in Westbrook. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maine Kidney Foundation, 470 Forest Avenue, Suite 302, Portland, Maine 04101, or the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, care of Hospice of Southern Maine, 390 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074.

Alfred "Fred" J. Gagnon

November 17, 1929 - May 27, 2021