GAGNON, Daniel L. 1929-2024 Van Buren and New Sharon. Daniel L. Gagnon passed away in Farmington, Maine on Saturday March 30, 2024 at the age of 94. Dan lived a long and extraordinary life. He was born in Van Buren, Maine on October 4, 1929 to Clifford and Cecile (Paradis) Gagnon, just days before the Wall Street crash. The influence that the ensuing depression had on his formative years were apparent throughout his life. He was educated in Van Buren schools through junior high. At the age of 13, he left home to attend a military boarding school in Manlius, New York. After graduation, he spent a year in Boston at a business college before returning to Van Buren to marry Mona Ayotte. They would spend 56 wonderful years together until Mona's passing in 2006. Dan was hard working, organized, inventive and enjoyed just about any project that he (and Mona) could imagine. He had several occupations throughout his lifetime beginning with working at the family hardware store, and then running a potato storage and shipping company. In summers, he would wire houses and camps but eventually he applied his problem-solving skills as a supervisor (for 30 years), to the commercial construction industry in northern Maine. In his spare time he enjoyed many snow and water activities. He maintained the family camp (Donowatocallit) at Madawaska Lake for many years which the extended family greatly appreciated. He and his friends were also instrumental in the construction of the Van Buren ski area and the revitalization of the municipal tennis courts. Dan and Mona's passion for tennis led them to spend winter vacations in south Florida where they would eventually become snowbirds. Dan lived in a wonderful community for over 30 years in Port Charlotte where he made many great friends. He remained extremely active and became an avid cyclist logging over 3000 miles each year well in to his 90's. He would return each summer to "the cabin" in New Sharon, Maine to be close to his family. Dan, "dad", was the "rock" of our family and his influence will continue to guide us throughout the rest of our lives. Dan was predeceased by his wife Mona, three sisters; Velma (Tardif), Joanne (Eldridge), Rose Marie Hallsey. He is survived by his children; Donna Mann and husband Jim of Farmington, Mark Gagnon and his wife Denise of Anchorage AK, Zale Lochala and husband Chuck, of New Sharon, and Greg Gagnon and his wife Colleen of Glenburn. He leaves behind seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren with one more on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Jeanine (Stanley) Stewart of Bangor. The family would like to thank the staff at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Sandy River Center, and Pinewood Terrace in Farmington Maine for the excellent care and support that dad received in the last few months of his life. A celebration of life for family and friends will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the compassionate care of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, located at 488 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington. Memories of Dan can be shared, and an online register book can be signed by visiting www.dsfuneral.com