Obituary for Ralph Joseph Gagnon

Ralph Joseph Gagnon passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, in Chico, California, at the age of 89.

Ralph was born on February 2, 1936, and spent his early childhood on the East Coast before his family settled in Kingsley, Pennsylvania, where he grew up. From an early age, Ralph displayed a natural curiosity and an inquisitive, methodical mind. As a child, he delighted in taking things apart—famously a household coffee percolator—simply to understand how they worked, and then carefully reassembling them. This instinct to explore, understand, and build would remain a defining trait throughout his life.

Ralph pursued higher education with dedication and intellectual rigor. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University, followed by a Master of Science degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He went on to complete his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington in 1965, launching a career that combined research, teaching, and innovation.

It was during his years in California that Ralph met Bonnie, the love of his life, at a folk dance more than 63 years ago. Their partnership—rooted in loyalty, curiosity, humor, and a shared love of culture—became the foundation of Ralph’s life. Bonnie preceded him in death about six years ago, and Ralph carried her presence with him always.

Ralph’s professional life reflected both deep intellect and creativity. He worked with Hughes Aircraft, including in Seattle, where he contributed to advanced research and developed patents related to optical and liquid crystal image projection systems, including innovations in two-color and three-color liquid crystal light valve technology. Alongside industry work, Ralph also held academic appointments, teaching electrical engineering and related fields.

One of the most formative chapters of Ralph and Bonnie’s life together was their time living abroad. From September 1971 through June 1974, they lived in Abadan, Iran, where Ralph taught Electrical Engineering at the Abadan Institute of Technology, a technical college serving the National Iranian Oil Company. Employed through the company, Ralph taught classes in English and worked with students adjusting from rote learning to analytical, problem-solving approaches. Bonnie chronicled these years in vivid letters to friends and family, capturing daily life, cultural exchange, and the sense of adventure they shared.

Bonnie later wrote of their time in Iran:

“And so, we arrived in Abadan. Now six months later I feel that this is home, that we have always lived here, and that we will probably always live here.”

After returning to the United States, Ralph continued teaching and professional work, including time in Pittsburgh, before he and Bonnie settled in Chico, California in the early 1980s—a place that would become home for the remainder of his life.

In Chico, Ralph found a deep sense of community through international folk dance. What began as a practical choice—Friday nights fit best with his teaching schedule—quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Ralph and Bonnie became central figures in the local folk-dance community, contributing not only as dancers but also through teaching, programming, organizing, and warmly welcoming newcomers. For more than four decades, Ralph’s steady presence, thoughtful leadership, and generous spirit helped sustain and enrich Chico’s folk-dance tradition.

Ralph and Bonnie were also devoted lovers and supporters of the arts. They shared a particular love for opera, ballet, and the symphony, attending performances locally and throughout Europe. They were gracious hosts, often opening their home for evenings of music and performance, creating spaces where friends felt welcomed, inspired, and deeply included.

Travel was one of Ralph’s greatest joys, especially when shared with Bonnie. Paris held a special place in his heart. Over the years, they welcomed many friends there, hosting them in their rented apartment and creating lasting memories rooted in generosity, beauty, and connection.

Ralph will be remembered for his quiet intelligence, steady kindness, curiosity about the world, and the way he made space for others—whether on a dance floor, at a performance, in a classroom, or gathered around a table with friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie Gagnon.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at 909 Sequoyah Avenue, Chico, California.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to The Bonnie and Ralph Charitable Fund for Ballet Arts, established to support ballet education and performance, or to organizations that sustain international folk dance, in recognition of the communities and art forms that brought Ralph and Bonnie such lasting joy.