Raymond Gagnon

Raymond “Ray” Alfred Gagnon. Jr., 89, of Wheat Ridge, Colorado passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Ray was born in western Kansas, July 9, 1935 to Raymond Sr. and Isabella Gagnon. Ray was the oldest of four children: Thomas (deceased), David, and Janice. Ray grew up on the family farm and graduated high school in 1953. Ray joined the military shortly after where he spent two years on active duty in France and Germany.

Returning from duty, he dated and married the love of his life Elizabeth “Betty” Dinkel in 1957. Beginning their life together, they moved to the Denver area in 1958. They adopted two children.

Ray was a lifelong auto mechanic. He starting working as a mechanic in high school with his uncle and continued that work in the military and when he moved to Colorado. Ray was employed with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for many years. After years of opening and managing corporate and independent stores for Goodyear, he decided to open his own automotive repair business. Throughout the years, Ray became known for great customer service and developed a very loyal client following. Even though he retired in 2001, he would continue, to this day, to encounter past customers that remembered him for his honesty, integrity and sense of humor.

Ray was a loving and dedicated husband to Betty for 67 years, and a treasured father to Kari and Kelli. Ray enjoyed family time with his grandchildren Tessa, Michael, and Ashleigh. Throughout the years, Ray enjoyed hunting, camping, Sunday drives, snowmobiling, dirt bikes and time with family. In the past few years his focus changed to daily walks at the mall and coffee and good conversation with friends at the Chai shop. Ray was personable and outgoing. He never met a stranger and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife Betty, daughters Kari Haliw (Jerry) and Kelli Gagnon. Grandchildren: Michael Haliw, Ashleigh Haliw and Tessa Cowan. Brother David Gagnon, Sister Janice Arnhold, many sisters and brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Knights of Columbus, American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice.

Ray’s Celebration of Life will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Wheat Ridge, Colorado on Tuesday, November 12. Rosary at 9:30 am followed by 10:00 am mass. A luncheon reception to follow at noon-Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, Colorado.