David Gagnon, 81, died peacefully on February 25, 2026, at Ed’s House Hospice in Cobourg, Ontario. He left this life surrounded by his loving family: his partner of 22 years, Linda Dunn; their four children, Julie and James (Gagnon), their spouses, René and Brigitte, and Anthony and Vanessa (Suppa), whose partners, Jenny and Charlie, were unable to travel from overseas. 

David arrived in Canada from Birmingham, England in 1946 and spent his early years in Quebec City. After graduating St. Patrick’s High School, and briefly attending college in Ottawa, David found work with The Hudson Bay Company, as Manager and Postmaster of small Northern Ontario outpost stores in Hearst and Pagwa River. Upon returning to Quebec, David began establishing a long career in the office products industry, first as a buyer and lastly, in Toronto, as National Sales Manager for a major stationery company. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph Willie and Joan (Schofield) Gagnon, and two of his brothers, Peter and Paul. He will be remembered lovingly by his brothers, James “Jimmy” (Ginette) and Denis (Hélène), and his grandchildren: Kasey, Jesse, Nico, Fred, Gaby, and Patricia. 

David was, by many accounts, one of the very best men we have known and loved. Whether through business, or personally, he drew people into his circle with warmth, genuine interest, and enthusiasm. Acquaintances soon became friends, who felt they had known him forever. David was one of the earliest, passionate adopters of pickle ball, playing multiple days each week, and inspiring countless others to join in and love the game. 

Unfortunately for David, an unwanted journey with dementia began in 2022. The subtle changes family noticed in him became more pronounced each year. Dementia, in the last year of his life, robbed him of many of his skills and talents. He shied away from playing pickle ball when keeping score was beyond him. He hung up his pool cue when his physical dexterity deteriorated. He opted out of social situations when verbal communication was too challenging. 

One thing David didn’t lose was his terrific sense of humour. He never failed to respond to a straight question with a quick-witted quip, even in the final days. Between our bouts of tears, he made us laugh so hard that tears formed again in the corners of all our eyes.  

David was aware of what dementia would ultimately mean for him. While he still could, he made the courageous choice to have agency over the end of his life, and he chose to have MAiD. The family is so grateful to Dr. Fraser Cameron, MD, and to the staff at Ed’s House Hospice for their compassionate, loving care of our beloved David. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life for David will be announced at a later date. If desired, memorial donations in his memory may be made to Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre or the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton.