Guelph-Eramosa employees returned to some sad News following the Labour Day long weekend.
Ken Gagnon, the township’s director of public works for the past seven years, passed away on Sept. 2 after a battle with cancer. He was 53 years old.
Four days later, township officials paid tribute to Gagnon with brief statements at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
Mayor Chris White said Gagnon’s role in the township “transcended” simply being an employee.
“He was just a good man,” White said, adding Gagnon was dedicated to his job but was also a great family man.
Gagnon died peacefully last Friday night surrounded by loved ones at Hospice Wellington.
He leaves behind wife Romina, children Francois and Harmony, and father George, as well as two sisters, a brother and their families.
“It’s always hard to know what to say at times like these,” said councillor Doug Breen. “Without question, he’s been a great employee and a good friend.”
Breen explained a lot of people may not realize what an exemplary job Gagnon did for the municipality “because he just did it,” often solving issues before councillors even knew they existed.
“He will be missed by a lot of people in the township who didn’t even know his name,” Breen said.
Gagnon’s extensive knowledge and experience made the job of councillors a lot easier, Breen added. White agreed, adding work at the township improved greatly during Gagnon’s tenure.
Forced to leave work earlier this year after his condition worsened, Gagnon was regarded by many as one of the best public works directors in the county.
He was renowned for his trouble shooting ability and organizational and people skills, as well as his attention to detail in reports, many of which resulted in the township securing large grants from the provincial and federal governments to help ensure the wellbeing of Guelph-Eramosa infrastructure for generations to come.
He was also instrumental in the township’s takeover two years ago of water and wastewater services from the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
But above all that, by all accounts Gagnon was a great person who tragically left his family and friends much too early.
A celebration of his life will take place on Sept. 17 at 2pm at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home’s Hart Chapel in Guelph. A private interment will be held at a later date.
As expressions of sympathy, the family would appreciate donations to the Kortright Hills Public School, c/o the Upper Grand Learning Foundation. Cards are available at the funeral home or condolences can be sent to gilbertmacintyreandson.com.
