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Bruce Gagnon Obituary
In 1970, Bruce and Sharon moved to Anchorage, where Bruce joined the firm of Atkinson, Conway and Young, which eventually became Atkinson, Conway and Gagnon. Bruce arrived in Anchorage during a very exciting and bustling time for the legal community and found himself immediately immersed in the urgent legal issues of the Pipeline years. Given his brilliant legal mind and reputation for fair dealing, Bruce quickly gained Alaskans' respect and was sought after for legal advice. Bruce and the firm of Atkinson, Conway and Gagnon prospered, representing clients including Cook Inlet Region, the National Bank of Alaska, and Providence Hospital. In 1993, Bruce was elected to the American Law Institute, and Bruce was included in "The Best Lawyers in America," in the areas of business litigation, corporate law (mergers and acquisitions), professional litigation and real estate law.
Bruce truly loved everything about his life in Alaska, from his exciting legal career to the amazing Alaskan outdoors. Bruce spent many enjoyable days fishing, hunting and skiing at Alyeska, all with his friends and family. He also had a passion for golf, and was pleased to be a member of the Hole-in-One Association. Bruce's love of life and his spirit for fun brought joy and good times to all who were around him.
Bruce is survived by his wife Sharon, his son Elliott (Janel) Gagnon, and his daughter Anne (Peter) Millington. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Annika Gagnon, Finn Gagnon, James Millington, and Andrew Millington. The family requests that any memorial donations be made in Bruce's name to the Providence Alaska Foundation, PO Box 196604, Anchorage, AK 99519. A public visitation will be held at 2:30 pm on January 20, 2020 at the Holy Family Cathedral, 800 W. 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK. A funeral mass will follow the visitation at 3:00 p.m. Following services a reception will take place at 4:00 p.m. at the Captain Cook Quarterdeck, 939 W. 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK.
Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.
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Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Gagnon
Susan Grossman Alexander HLS '67
August 29, 2025
Bruce was a wonderful friend and law school classmate. His warmth and humor helped me transition to law school at a time when women made up about 4% of our class. I'll never forget his kindness to me.
Rene & Anne Gonzalez
January 28, 2020
Sharon, Rene and I extend our sincere condolences to you and your family. We remember Bruce as a friend who always met us with warmth and compassion. His smile could light up any room. Professionally, his reputation was remarkable; Rene enjoyed his association with Bruce in the legal profession in Anchorage, and had the utmost respect for him. His contributions to the legal world, and his integrity, compassion, and commitment to his community will always be remembered. God bless you as you move forward in the months and years to come. You both have always been role models as wonderful and committed Anchorage and Alaska citizens. We are grateful we had the privilege of knowing Bruce through the years and will miss catching up from time to time with him. Sincerely, Anne and Rene Gonzalez
Chris McNeil
January 21, 2020
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Bruce's family. I knew Bruce when I was EVP and General Counsel to Sealaska Corporation. He helped us successfully navigate several legal challenges which were extraordinarily severe and complex. Bruce was a very smart and astute lawyer. And, he was a very kind person and a real gentleman and engendered civility, even with adversaries. He will really be missed.
Leroy Barker
January 18, 2020
Sharon,
I have known Bruce for years both as a friend and as a fellow attorney. As a friend he was always gracious and thoughtful. He was. an outstanding attorney who was admired by all his professional colleagues. He will be greatly missed. Suzanne and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Leroy Barker
Portland, Oregon
Karl Johnstone
January 18, 2020
The legal community lost a very good lawyer with Bruce's passing. More importantly we all lost a good man. His humor and kindness touched many people. My sincere condolences to his family.
James Singleton
January 17, 2020
Bruce was a fine lawyer and a perfect Gentleman. I will miss him
Jim Singleton
Jonda Bink
January 16, 2020
I am sad to hear of Bruce's passing. I had been told he was an excellent lawyer but I knew him as a neighbor in the tree streets. He was a leader in our home owners' association for many years. When I volunteered to be treasurer he was so patient & kind. He fostered an atmosphere of cooperation and peacefulness. My prayers are for peace in your heart Sharon & family.
Eric Sanders
January 16, 2020
I worked for Bruce's law firm in 1979 and dealt with him frequently for more than three decades. There was nothing about his demeanor, attitude or behavior which suggested he was one of the smartest lawyers in Alaska. When they were passing out brains, Bruce got one of the very best and he used it to help people. Honest, thoughtful, generous, kind and friendly. Bruce was a class act and Alaska is fortunate that he chose to live, work and raise his family in the Last Frontier. He will be missed.
Janie Leask
January 16, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear this and send my condolences to Sharon and their family.
Byron Mallott
January 16, 2020
Bruce was a gentleman and always a gentle man but also an expert and fierce advocate for clients. As CEO I Worked with Bruce as he represented Sealaska Corporation on a number of critical issues. I came to respect and admire Bruce as a wonderful person as well as a topnotch attorney. To Bruce's family my condolences and prayers.
Tim, Eva and Elodie Root
January 16, 2020
To Anne and Family
Sincere condolences for your loss.
Love
The Roots
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Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel - Anchorage737 E Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
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