Obituary of Alan Theodore Wagner

February 26, 1944 – Goodfare, Alberta

June 23, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alan “Al” Wagner, a resident of Calgary, AB, and formerly of Beaverlodge, AB. Al passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the age of 80 years, with family by his side.

Al was born on February 26, 1944, near Goodfare, AB, to Henry and Jean Wagner. He was the second of five children and grew up in the Goodfare area, attending school both there and in Beaverlodge. After high school, Al attended NAIT, where he studied telecommunications. His career in this field took him to the Yukon, Northern BC, and all around Alberta, making friends along the way!

Al settled in Grand Centre (now part of Cold Lake) for about fifteen years, where he adopted and raised his son Scott with his then-wife, Dianne. His years in Grand Centre were happy ones, filled with fishing, camping, and coaching minor hockey. He also built their family home and developed a love for downhill skiing, spending many winter vacations in Jasper and Banff.

Al's next adventure began on a trip home to Beaverlodge to visit his parents. He reconnected with a long-time friend, Karen Martin (nee Stith), and asked her out for coffee. Their friendship blossomed into a romance through letters and phone calls, and Al soon transferred to Grande Prairie, AB, which was half an hour from Beaverlodge and Karen.

Al moved to Beaverlodge, and on December 22, 1990, he and Karen were married. Tragically, Karen passed away just days before their first anniversary. Despite this loss, Al remained extremely close to Karen’s children, Darryl and Erin, becoming a beloved grandpa to their children.

After Karen’s passing, Al was transferred to Edmonton and eventually Calgary, where he spent his last 20-plus years working and then enjoying retirement.

Al enjoyed skiing, camping, and walking along the trails of Bow River, which was steps from his front door. He loved visiting with family, watching hockey (especially the Oilers), and engaging in a good political debate. Al had a passion for cars; he was part of a race crew in his younger years, traveled to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah with his brothers Lee and Don to watch the races, and even got to drive a NASCAR on a trip to California with Erin and her family!

Al was quite handy, from home renovations for family and neighbours to fixing up two Chevy Trackers with his brother Lee. He loved a good project! He was the best grandpa to his grandchildren, often traveling 700 km for birthdays, Christmas, hockey games, and skating carnivals. He will be missed dearly.

Al was predeceased by his wife Karen Wagner, parents, Henry and Jean Wagner; sister Colleen Stewart, brother Jim Wagner, and daughter-in-law Diane Martin.

Al leaves to mourn his son Scott (Jenna) Brodie, stepchildren, Darryl Martin and Erin (Mark) Dwernychuk; grandchildren, Erik (Sydney Jewitt) Martin, Alyssa (Braiden) Lowen, Bradley (Amanda Geernaert) Dwernychuk, Emily (Wyatt Moodie) Dwernychuk, and Sarah Dwernychuk; as well as great-grandchildren, Emmett Lowen and Daisy Martin. Al also leaves his brothers, Don (Nettie) Wagner and Lee (Shirley) Wagner; brother-in-law Joe Stewart, and sister-in-law Lila Wagner, as well as many nephews, nieces, friends, and extended family members.

A Celebration of Al’s Life will be held at the McNaught Homestead near Beaverlodge, AB, (712068 Hwy 722) on Saturday, July 20, at 2:00 p.m. Light lunch and refreshments will be provided.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Al’s family here.

In living memory of Alan Wagner, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.