Leon “Buzz“ Gagne died peacefully on October 11, 2024 with his longtime partner, Betty McCabe, and his son, Jock Gagne, at his side after a long battle with cancer.  
Buzz was born on July 29, 1947 in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the son of Leon & Madeline (Lawrence) Gagne. He is survived by his loving partner Betty McCabe; his three children, Jock Gagne (Ravi), Holly Fabian (Todd), Chessa Rivers (Stephen); three grandchildren, Justice, Benjamin, and Oliver; his sister Yvonne (Vince) Cali of South Carolina; his niece, nephew and countless friends.
Buzz attended Holy Trinity School and graduated from Greenfield High School’s class of 1965. At GHS he was a member of the varsity football team and was a star track and field athlete. He broke the school record in the long jump, and excelled at the javelin throw, a skill he picked up again later in life. 
While attending college Buzz enlisted in the United States Army in 1968 and served three back to back tours in Vietnam as part of the 136th Assault Helicopter Company. He was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart as well as the Army Air Medal. After his discharge in 1970, he continued his education and earned a degree in accounting. He was employed as an accountant for Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Hampshire and subsequently by the state of New Hampshire. After his military service, Buzz became very involved in veterans' organizations throughout New Hampshire. One of his passions was the creation of the beautiful New Hampshire state Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, New Hampshire, where construction began in November of 1997. He will be interred there fittingly with his fellow veterans.
Buzz was a strong javelin thrower in high school. After seeing an ad in a local New Hampshire newspaper regarding a senior track and field competition, he decided to look into it. He enjoyed the competition and the camaraderie and began to train to compete on a national level. This decision has taken him to competitions all over the United States and as far away as Australia. Over the years, he has won many gold and silver medals in various masters age groups and set national records along the way. In 2004, he set the M 55 record throwing 178‘5“ in Decatur Illinois. He won national championships in 2012, 2013 and 2015. In 2016, he won the silver medal at the World Masters Championships in Perth Australia. 
Buzz was a man of honor with a quick smile and a keen sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by all of those who knew him. 
Visiting hours will be held Monday October 28, 2024 from 4-6 PM Kostanski Funeral Home 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls, MA. 
A service will be held Wednesday October 30, 2024 at 12 Noon at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 626 Concord NH 03302-0626, American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice. 
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com