Matthew Gagnon

1988 - 2017

On Friday, April 28, 2017, Matthew Gagnon, a Research Analyst for the Little Hoover Commission, passed away from complications with brain cancer. He was 28 years old. Even though he lost the battle with his cancer, he won by passing the way he wanted to: at home, surrounded by family, and without pain and suffering. Matthew lived in the greater Sacramento area for the last eleven years. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Political Science and History in 2010. For 5 years, he worked at Conservation Strategy Group, an environmental lobbying firm. He planned lobby days for numerous clients and was a part of the firm's successful efforts to ban the use of shark fins in California. Since 2015, he worked for the Little Hoover Commission as a Research Analyst, contributing to reports that highlighted efficiency problems in state government, serving as a government affairs liaison, and providing solutions that often turned into bills in the Legislature. His favorite topic was Denti-Cal, a state program that provides dental services for California's low income children and adults. He also held many other campaign and government positions, including: office manager for the Yolo County Democratic Central Committee; campaign canvasser for Dr. Ami Bera; intern in the office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer and in the newsroom of Gov. Arnold Schwarzennegger; and policy intern for CalPIRG. Matthew was a diehard sports fan, movie buff, and avid reader. He loved spending time with his fiancee, and friends in midtown at weekend brunches, post-work happy hours, and pub trivia. For years he has been commissioner of a Fantasy Football League filled with friends from the capitol community. He is survived by his fiancee Suzy Costa, a legislative analyst for Capitol Advisors Group in Sacramento, his parents Rob and Barbara of Livermore, sister Jennifer of Livermore, and countless friends. His fiancee Suzy can be reached at suzy@capitoladvisors.org. Donations may be made to the Cancer Support Community of the Bay Area in Walnut Creek at https://cancersupportcommunity.rallybound.org/rbjmgagnon