Jean Paul Gagne

PRESQUE ISLE - Jean Paul Gagne, 79, passed away Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Paul was born in 1931 into a hardworking ice peddling family from Biddeford. He attended Catholic boarding school and went on to graduate from Providence College. He served his country during the Korean War at Beaumont Army Hospital, Texas. Upon his return to Maine, Paul married the love of his life, Joan Belanger. Together they started a family and moved throughout the Midwest and New England. He retired as district manager of Presque Isle Social Security Office in 1989. Paul loved to spend time puttering at his camp in the birches at Squa Pan. He also loved fishing, boating, jazz, bonfires and his chainsaw. Paul leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Joan; three children and their spouses, who will never forget the adventures they shared with him, Daniel and Wanda Gagne of Old Orchard Beach, David and Melissa Gagne of Fort Fairfield and Jeanine and Donald Willette of Chapman; treasured grandchildren, Matthew Gagne and Brad Willette, Joseph Koval, Joshua Cressey, David Coates and Kristal Coates; brothers and sisters; many nieces and nephews in the Biddeford area that were much loved by him; and a beloved brother, Ray, who shared his taste for bad jokes. He will be remembered for his mischievous, twinkling blue eyes, his love of a good - or bad - joke, his joyful laugh and teasing his grandsons. At Paul's request, there will be no formal funeral proceedings or viewing hours. A private memorial will be held at Squa Pan in the summer. The family hopes that you remember Paul with a laugh and a smile.