Darby Gagnon

October 13, 1965 ~ September 26, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Darby Paul Gagnon, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, who left us peacefully on September 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Darby will be forever cherished by his wife, Laurie; son, Tyler (Sophie); daughter, Teneal (Jackson); sister, Carmen as well as many dear friends and extended family who respected and loved him deeply. He is predeceased by his parents, Paul and Ella Gagnon and Laurie’s parents, Jerry and Mary Hager. Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Darby lived a life of integrity, generosity, humility and gentle wisdom. Darby earned his diploma in Business Administration from the Medicine Hat College. He began his working life as a clerk at the local Co-op, where he met Laurie while she worked in the bakery. A promotion to grocery manager took them to Killam and Spruce Grove before he joined Dare Foods and eventually returned home to Medicine Hat in 1991. Darby continued with Dare Foods until moving to Kraft Foods and Mondelēz International, where he became affectionately known as “the cookie man,” admired for his dedication, strong work ethic and the guidance so many sought from him. Friends and colleagues remember his quick wit, quiet strength and the respect he earned simply by the way he treated others. Darby and Laurie were married in October 1988. Darby’s heart always belonged to his family; Laurie, Tyler and Teneal were his pride and joy, the reason behind every decision and the source of his greatest happiness. He cherished golfing with family and friends, biking the trails in Elkwater, cooking memorable meals and taking long walks among the trees, especially with the family dog, Cargo. He also loved cheering on his children in their sports and activities, taking as much pride in their efforts as they did. He took equal pride in his lush, well-kept lawn—a quiet reflection of the attention and love he gave to everything and everyone around him. A devoted Edmonton Oilers fan from day one, Darby rarely missed a game and loved sharing that passion with family and friends. He also had a lifelong love of baseball, playing avidly from a young age and remembered by many as “the stolen base thief.” Some of his fondest memories were traveling to British Columbia for Youth Nationals, as well as the many years he and Laurie spent playing slowpitch with family and friends, which always held a special place in his heart.“Life is short—love life and those around you while you can.” In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1; the local Palliative Care Team in gratitude for the compassionate care Darby received. Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street SW, Medicine Hat on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Rd S.E., Medicine Hat on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. with Father Fernando Genogaling celebrant. Both Vigil Prayers and the Funeral Mass will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience the celebrations may visit the Cook Southland Funeral Chapel website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reflections Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

• Date : 2025-09-26
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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