Love For Kids Kept Gagnon Behind Wheel Almost 40 Years
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David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
AKRON – The best thing about being a bus driver for almost 40 years has been the kids, according to Sue Gagnon. Gagnon is retiring as a bus driver from Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. after 39-1/2 years, all of that time with Valley. Her last day is Thursday. Bus drivers and school officials had a retirement party for her at Akron Elementary School Friday morning. When she started, she drove for three years on her husband’s contract before receiving her own contract. “The kids,” she immediately responded when asked the best thing about her job. “Seeing them every morning. The funny things they say and do. Helping them with their hurts.” In her nearly four decades, Gagnon has had only five or six different buses. Her bus now is No. 1, and she has been driving that for the last four or five years, she said. For a number of years she had a handicapped route along with her regular bus route. She has always driven the south end of the school district, she said, including Akron. She drives to the middle and high schools too. When bus drivers get their license, they have to observe and drive with another bus driver. Many years ago, Tippecanoe Valley Superintendent Brett Boggs got his bus driver’s license by riding with Gagnon. “I’ve known her for a long time,” Boggs said. “I’ve had her sons in my class. I rode with her and worked with her as a principal, assistant transportation director and now superintendent.” He said she’s always been a wonderful person who cares about the community, the schools and the children. “She’s been a top-notch bus driver for us. We hate to lose her, but she’s earned her retirement,” Boggs said. “She’s a good lady. She was very patient with me.” She said she’s retiring now because she has worked almost 40 years. “I thought it was time to quit,” she said. “My husband’s had health problems, so I want to spend more time with him. I want to do more with him. “It’s been a good job. I started it because our kids were home and I wanted something so I could be home with them,” she said. “It worked out well.” Her two sons were able to get on and off the bus with her, and she said it’s been a good occupation. “It’s one I really enjoyed. I’m hauling third generations now,” she said, beaming with pride. “The corporation has been very good to work for,” she concluded.
