Rich Gagnon, 1949-2026
Probably few people in the heat treatment industry still remember Rich as he has not been active for quite a few years but he had a long and distinguished career in the industry. For many years he worked with Detrex Furnaces which ultimately was acquired by AFC-Holcroft which in turn was acquired by Aichelin of Austria. During his career he worked as a sales engineer travelling around North America and the world. “Richard James Gagnon, affectionately known as “Butch,” passed away on January 2, 2026. He was 77 years old.
Butch was born on January 1, 1949, in Medford, Massachusetts, to Paul and Mary Gagnon. He graduated from Medford High School in 1967 and went on to attend college in Boston. Throughout his professional life, Butch worked as a heat-treating engineer with Atmosphere Furnace and later with Dietrich’s Heating and Cooling, where he was known for his strong work ethic and technical skill.
Beyond his career, Butch’s true passion was roller skating—a love that defined some of the happiest years of his life. He skated daily and found particular joy in pairs and partner competitions, as well as freestyle skating. His dedication and talent led him to win a National Championship with the U.S. Roller Skating Association. From 1975 until 2005, Butch was the owner of the Ambassador Roller Rink in Clawson, Michigan, where he helped shape generations of skaters and created a welcoming community centered on the joy of the sport. He also served as past president of the Roller-Skating Teachers Association of Michigan, forming deep friendships and lifelong bonds along the way.
Family was central to Butch’s life. He was a devoted father and a proud grandfather who cherished his grandchildren. He attended as many cheerleading events and hockey games as possible, always eager to support and encourage them.
Butch is survived by his children, Steve (Ramona Rushing) Gagnon, Angie (Scott) McInerney, and Kyle Gagnon; his grandchildren, Sophia, Blake, and Dillon; and his siblings, Joan Gagnon Hagstrom, Joyce Barry, Sandra Gasbaro, Lisa Gagnon Maurer, and Jimmy Gagnon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mary Gagnon, and his brother, Paul Gagnon.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Wednesday, January 7, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., with a Celebration of Butch’s Life beginning at 3:30 p.m., at Gramer Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street (Livernois, between 14 and 15 Mile Road), Clawson, Michigan 48017. For convenience, a covered, no-step entrance is available on the north side of the funeral home under the carport.”