Glenn Hunter Gagnier

Glenn Hunter Gagnier, 56, of Clinton Township, Mich., passed away Dec. 22 in Ann Arbor, Mich. Glenn was born Feb. 2, 1955 in Detroit to parents John W. and Janet I. "Hunter" Gagnier. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary, his 20-year-old son Sean and his cousin Glenna Wotherspoon. Glenn was predeceased by his parents and his in-laws, Charles and Phyllis Brodie as well as his cousin Susan Donner. An avid Detroit Tigers and Red Wings fan, Glenn enjoyed jazz and blues as well as cooking. An employee of AT&T for 31 years, he was most recently employed as a design specialist. Visitation will be Thurs. 2-8 p.m. at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Rd., Clinton Township, Mich., and Fri. 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at Cross Lutheran Church, 35851 Utica Rd., Clinton Township, Mich.

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Glenn Hunter Gagnier. He had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Glenn was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. Glenn was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on February 2, 1955, Glenn showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Glenn came into this world at Harper Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. His parents were John W. and Janet Irene (Hunter) Gagnier. Glenn was raised in Detroit, Michigan.

As a young boy, Glenn interacted well with other children. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Glenn had a number of interests in his youth. Glenn loved to read all he could about the Civil War – family would find him tucked away in a room alone reading until all hours of the night. He liked comic books, of which he had a large collection, and music.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Glenn was considered by many to be a high achiever. He graduated from Denby High School in 1973. He enjoyed history class more than any other while in school.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Glenn was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer his group of friends. He was generally friendly to all who knew him, yet to some he seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Glenn, they recognized that he could be full of surprises. Glenn enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. He would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of his ability to read people, he had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of his best friends were Nancy (Socia) Dunn, Jerry Williams, George Tampakes, and Jeff Daniels. Later in life, he became friends with Mike Scheuer.

He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard about it. On May 17, 1980 Glenn exchanged wedding vows with Mary Lee Brodie at Mount Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Glenn was able to bond with his son. He was able to make any situation lighter with his quick sense of humor and sharp wit. He brought his son up to be able to laugh at himself as well as any situation and to make others in the room feel like they were acknowledged and welcomed. Glenn was blessed with one child, a son, Sean.

Glenn projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done. His colleagues appreciated his humor and willingness to make their time at work a little easier by simply talking to them. Glenn would tell stories to all of his colleagues about the latest goings-on with his family and share with them how proud he was of their accomplishments. He served as a union steward for several years, seeking to create a better atmosphere for his colleagues. His primary occupation was a design specialist. He was employed for 31 years by AT & T.

He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were following the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, cooking, history, and spending time with family. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Glenn was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others, but he never compromised his values while playing recreational sports such as bowling. Glenn was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball and hockey.

Because Glenn was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, he was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. In high school, Glenn was a member of the Luther League and throughout his later years, Glenn was an active member of the Communications Workers of America.

Glenn's attitude of working to make every day better was a way of life for him. It was a philosophy that he carried into his community activities and service. Politically, Glenn was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party.

Glenn was a man with clear convictions and high principles, and his faith was important to him. He was confirmed at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church on May 17, 1970. He was a member of Cross Lutheran Church for 21 years after transferring from Mt Zion.

Glenn loved to travel with his family across the country and even beyond its borders. Some of his favorite vacations included going to Hawai’i, taking a Caribbean cruise, exploring Chicago and attending Cubs games, going to Disney World to see it through his son’s eyes, and trips to historical east coast venues as well as New Orleans.

Glenn was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Glenn's favorites was his cat, Ginger. They were best friends for 22 years. His family was rounded out by his many cats and dogs; currently the family has two cats – George and Izzie.

Glenn passed away on December 22, 2011 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Glenn fought against primary sclerosing cholangitis for over 21 years and ultimately liver cancer. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary and his son Sean. Services were held at Cross Lutheran Church in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Though he could be a private person at times, Glenn was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Glenn carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive "teacher", Glenn Hunter Gagnier shared himself freely and family and friends will remember Glenn for the strength of his convictions.