In memory of

Dr. Ralph Joseph Gagnon

Chico, CA

February 2, 1936 - January 21, 2026

Feb 2, 1936 - Jan 21, 2026

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Please consider a gift to The Bonnie and Ralph Gagnon Charitable Fund for Ballet Arts or Chico World Dance.

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In memory of

Dr. Ralph Joseph Gagnon

Passed

January 21, 2026
Born

February 2, 1936
Resided

Chico, CA

Photo

Please consider a gift to The Bonnie and Ralph Gagnon Charitable Fund for Ballet Arts or Chico World Dance.

Learn more & give

Dear Friends,
As we gather in the days following Ralph’s passing, I want to thank each of you for the care, friendship, and love you shared with him over the years. Ralph’s life was rich because of the people and communities he was part of, and so many of you helped shape that richness in ways both large and small.
Ralph believed deeply in connection—in showing up, in curiosity, in learning, and in making space for others. Whether through music, dance, conversation, or shared meals, he found joy in being part of something meaningful, and he valued the friendships that grew from that more than he ever said out loud.
I hope you’ll carry forward the spirit Ralph lived by: stay curious, keep dancing, support the arts, and take time to gather with one another. He would want nothing more than for his communities to continue thriving, laughing, learning, and caring for each other.
Thank you for holding Ralph in your hearts, and for continuing the traditions and connections that meant so much to him.
With gratitude and warmth,
Debbie
Thank you so much to everyone visiting this page. We will miss Ralph tremendously and would love to have you share your favorite memories of him on this website.

Updates

Update from March 11, 2026

Dear Friends,
As we prepare to gather on March 22 to celebrate the life of Ralph, I wanted to share a few details to help the afternoon go smoothly. It will mean so much to come together, share stories, and remember Ralph and Bonnie.
Ralph valued curiosity, conversation, and community. He and Bonnie shared a deep love of travel, folk dancing, and the arts, and it feels fitting that we gather together in that same spirit.

Arrival Time
Guests are welcome to begin arriving at 2:00 PM.
The memorial gathering and remarks will begin at 3:00 PM.

Parking
Please be mindful of parking along the street and in the neighborhood. We appreciate everyone helping us be respectful of the surrounding homes.

Sharing Memories
During the memorial we will have time set aside for anyone who would like to share a memory or reflection about Ralph and Bonnie.
If you would prefer not to speak, you are very welcome to send your thoughts, stories, or photos ahead of time. Memo Keswick, our MC, will be glad to share them during the gathering.
You may send them to:
Debbie – djorritsma1@gmail.com
Memo Keswick – memokeswick@gmail.com
If you are unable to attend but would still like to share a memory, please feel free to send it as well. It would be wonderful to include your reflections.

Photos & Memories
We will also have a table with photos and memorabilia from Ralph and Bonnie’s life together. Please feel free to take some time to look through them when you arrive.

Zoom & Recording
We are planning to set up a Zoom connection for those who are unable to attend in person and are also hoping to record the gathering so a video can be shared afterward. As with all technology, we will do our best, but appreciate everyone’s patience if things aren’t perfect.

Refreshments
Light refreshments will be available, including wine and water.

Weather
The gathering will be held outdoors, so please dress comfortably for the weather.
Thank you all for being part of this gathering. Your presence and shared memories mean so much as we come together to remember Ralph and the life he shared with Bonnie.
Warmly,
Debbie