THE MAN AND HIS HANDS

It's the weekend, and Bob is fast to work on one of his many projects. This day, Bob is retiling the kitchen and the bathrooms. Using his hands, building, repairing, playing his bass or guitar, or even video games is Bob's second favorite thing to do. Second only to Lucy, his pride and joy, heart and soul; his beautiful baby girl - spending time playing with Lucy, teaching her Latin or baseball or just making her laugh.

Growing up in the beautiful rolling hills of Southern California's Simi Valley afforded Robert Henri Gagnon II the opportunity to explore all of his passions. Bobby, as he was referred to by his family, was the youngest of eight children born to Mr. Robert Henry Gagnon and Mrs. Barbara Gagnon. It was a Saturday in Simi Valley, and the month's 26th day. The temperature grew to 73°, the average warmth for Simi Valley in the early stages of summer. Robert and Barbara where wondering will it be a daughter or another son? At last, the appointed time arrived. Finally, a fine-looking baby boy, so handsome, Robert and Barbara couldn't resist naming their new son Robert Henri Gagnon II after his father. To this union, eight children were born. They were Doug, Lorraine, Maureen, Jeff, Marcia, Edward, Jon, and now Bobby. Being the youngest, he was doted over.

Bob was raised in the Catholic Church, and Easter and Christmas were prominent in the Gagnon family. The family went camping once a month with the dad's company camping club and just had a good time enjoying each other. Over the years, Bob stayed close to his Christian raising, and although he left the Catholic Church, he continued to follow Christ. From time to time, he even played in different church bands.

Educated in the Simi Valley school system through 11 ^th grade, Bob transferred to Palmdale High School where he played tuba for the school marching band and graduated in 1989.

Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the US Navy, achieving Petty Officer 2 -- E-5. Bob was a "technician and worked within Navy ratings that possess increasing degrees of skill responsibility and authority." As for Petty Officers, Bob accomplished tasks typical to his hands-on skills to maintain, repair, and operate systems.

After six years in the Navy and experiencing many Asian and Middle Eastern countries, Bob was honorably discharged, returning to civilian life. Bob started working at Hewlett-Packard in California and transferred to Colorado Springs when the company relocated. Then he decided to go back to school and earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Colorado Springs. Next, he taught Latin to middle school students for a time, but realized that he still preferred working with his hands.

Bob went to Germany in 2009 to train for his new position as an Electronics Technician Supervisor at SMA Solar Technology in Denver. Bob met Esther Greer in 2011 who worked at SMA as a German/English translator. They quickly discovered their mutual passion for languages, movies and the outdoors, enjoying walks and bike rides together. On the 4th day of October 2012, their lives forever changed; they were tied and joined together by the birth of Lucy, their daughter.

Through the years, Bob played his bass for R & B bands while loving the Beatles, Sting and the Police. Bob loved skateboarding, swing dancing, riding his bike, Star Wars, and playing board games with Lucy. Bob was a remarkable, extraordinary man. Bob was a son, brother, father, provider, uncle, and friend - the roles Bob performed during his forty-nine years of life.

Bob lived life to the fullest and embraced death the same way.

It was a Saturday when Bob walked and passed through the Valley of Death. The 26th day of December, 2020. When Bob reached the stream of everlasting life, there to meet Bob was his father, Robert Henry Gagnon, and other members of the Gagnon dynasty.

Yet, Bob's legacy and profuse heritage will still persevere. In the lives of his daughter Lucy, her mother Esther, and his mother Barbara. Amidst his siblings Doug, Lorraine, Maureen, Jeff, Marcia, Edward, and Jon. Plus many nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

Brother Bob, you have ignited a flame in our hearts that shall never be extinguished.