sad news - Tom Gagnon
Barbara Volkle
On July 6, 2025, western Massachusetts birder and butterflier Tom Gagnon passed away:
Tom was a wonderful naturalist, well versed in birds, butterflies
and plants. He loved nothing better than a walk outdoors or time
in the greenhouse. He loved to tell you of the latest bear or
bobcat visit to his yard.
He was a long-time member of the Hampshire Bird Club. He lead field trips and participated in many Christmas Bird Counts, hawk watches, and nighthawk counts over the years.
He was a leading force in the Massachusetts Butterfly Club,
organizing and leading trips, and overseeing printing of field
cards and producing of tee shirts and hats. He participated in
4th of July Butterfly Counts each year.
For many years, his garden plots were the center of butterfly
activity in the Northampton Community Garden, where his verbena's
purple stand was a beacon for butterflies.
More than this, Tom loved to share his knowledge, to meet and
greet his friends in the field.
Those of us who knew him will miss him terribly. Godspeed, good
friend!
Barbara Volkle
Northborough, MA
bar...@theworld.com