Fond Farewell: Beloved Educator and Mentor Ralph Gagnon

Announced on: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026

Ralph Gagnon, professor emeritus of engineering, passed away on January 21, 2026. He was 89. An inquisitive scholar, Gagnon inspired countless students with his natural curiosity and dedication to innovation.

Born on February 2, 1936, Gagnon earned his bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University, his master's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington. His professional achievements included advanced research with Hughes Aircraft and the development of patents in optical and liquid crystal image projection systems.

From 1971 to 1974, Gagnon lived in Abadan, Iran, where he taught electrical engineering at the Abadan Institute of Technology. Teaching in English and working with students transitioning from rote memorization to analytical, problem-solving approaches, he embraced the opportunity for cultural exchange and international education.

He joined Chico State's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in 1981, where he taught for nearly two decades. Beginning in 1990, he also served as faculty adviser to the Chico International Folk Dance student group, continuing in that role until his retirement.

Gagnon was integral to Chico's international folk-dance community, a passion he shared with his wife, Bonnie. For more than 40 years, he served as a leader, teacher, and organizer, helping to sustain and strengthen the local folk-dance tradition.

The University flag will be lowered in his honor on Tuesday, February 24. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m. at 909 Sequoyah Avenue, Chico, California.