Waterville – Kenneth "Ken" Thomas Gagnon, 68, passed away on June 1, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and deep devotion to his family, friends, and community. Ken was born on January 4, 1958, and grew up in Skowhegan, Maine, where he graduated from Skowhegan Area High School as a member of the Class of 1976. He went on to attend Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he earned a double major Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Urban Studies. His time in Minnesota laid the foundation for a life dedicated to civic engagement and public service. In 1984, Ken met the love of his life, Deborah "Deb" Leathers. They were married on October 4, 1986, and together built more than four decades of love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Family was at the center of their lives, and Ken took immense pride in being a father to their three daughters. He often said they were his greatest accomplishment—a sentiment he carried with him every day. Ken is lovingly remembered by his wife, Deb; his daughters, Kelsey of Atlanta, Georgia; Bethany of West Forks, Maine; and Jenna of Torrance, California, her husband, Michael, and their son, Callum, who brought Ken tremendous joy as a grandfather. He is also survived by his siblings, Earlene Morin, Richard Gagnon, and Dora Gagnon, along with many nieces and nephews, and his 16-year old cat, Chloe. He was predeceased by his parents, Aurel and Lorraine Gagnon; his brother, Earl Gagnon; his sister, Cora Marley; and his parents-in-law, Dana and Estelle Leathers. Ken dedicated much of his professional life to public service and education. He served ten years in the Maine State Legislature where he was elected to leadership positions, took great pride in serving his constituents and had an open ear for those on both sides of the aisle. He also built a distinguished 37-year career at Colby College, holding a variety of administrative leadership roles spanning security, purchasing, telecommunications, and media resources departments. Over the years, he became a familiar and respected presence on campus, forging lasting professional and personal relationships, many extending well after his retirement in 2017. Even in retirement, Ken remained active and engaged with things that brought him joy. He worked for American Airlines, instructed driver education courses, and found particular fulfillment teaching students through the Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education program. Ken was a constant and loving presence in every aspect of his daughters' lives. He attended sporting events and school activities, helped shop for prom dresses, and took road trips with each daughter as they ventured away from home to begin new chapters in their lives. He was always the person they could call late at night when life became difficult—a steady source of comfort, wisdom, and encouragement. Ken took enormous pride not only in his daughters but also in his wife, whom he adored beyond measure. He cherished the years spent at the family camp on Lake Moxie and more recently, enjoyed cross-country RV adventures. Ken referred to himself as a "recovering politician", enjoying debate and hearty conversations around any current events, always offering a lesson when asked about a specific topic. He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and found happiness in the quiet moments spent in his workshop in the garage. Ken will be remembered as a gifted storyteller, a jokester, and a self-proclaimed "historian," always ready with a tale, a laugh, or a lesson. He stood firmly and respectfully for what he believed in, never wavering under pressure, and would always offer guidance that often arrived exactly when it was needed. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, supported, and loved, including many of his girls' friends, who he was often regarded as their second Dad. Ken especially held a special place in his heart for Leonie, his beloved "fourth daughter" from Germany. Ken's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he touched, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to your local Humane Society, where Ken adopted all of his pets throughout his life. Visiting hours will be held at Veilleux-Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral Home 8 Elm Street, Waterville, ME on Tuesday, June 9th from 5pm-7pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Page Commons Room in the Cotter Union Student Center, Colby College, 4000 Mayflower Hill Drive, Waterville, ME on June 10th at 2pm..