JED ERNEST GAGNON

There will be a visitation at Valley Funeral Home today, July 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. for Jed Ernest Gagnon, who died July 10, 2003.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow at the First Presbyterian Church in Wasilla at 7 p.m.

Mr. Gagnon was a Minnesota-grown baby, only son and grandson -- a spoiled boy who loved family, camping trips, Boy Scouts, football and TV, but not SPAM. Mr. Gagnon graduated from Brooklyn Center High, then received a bachelor's degree in Special Education.

His family said, "College days brought education and a new love into his life, including his wife and three children. As Jed journeyed through his life, he became an uncle and a wonderful father who loved his children Andrew, Maria and Anthony as much as anyone can love another. So too, Jed became a phenomenal, loving partner in life.

"Jed was a brilliant man filled with wit and sarcasm, a wonderfully dry sense of humor and a superior knowledge of trivia. He was fond of laughing, teasing and teaching his children and transitioned into a teacher of many children. Jed still loved T.V., but SPAM, hmmm, just a little. Jed came alive with teaching. His love for music continued along with an awesome, personal flair for writing. He was a Viking's fan through and through and he coached soccer straight from his heart to the young people he worked with.

"Jed had a blast participating often as a sports announcer; he was class advisor and put a prom together with students, etc. Jed continued his education, receiving a master's in Educational Leadership and looked forward to becoming a principal. Jed was a huge fan of Alaska's beautiful environment, TV and the remote control; and in his final days, one specific request was for SPAM.

"We love Jed with a passion, we trusted him with our lives, our words and our hearts. We will remember him always and miss him beyond belief."

A memorial fund has been established under Jed Gagnon or Katie Finazzo at the Mat Valley Federal Credit Union, 1020 S. Bailey Street, Palmer AK 99645.