LYLE CLARENCE WAGNER

1925 – 2013 Lyle Clarence Wagner died peacefully with his family nearby at St. Paul’s hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan February 2, 2013, a few days from his 88th birthday.

Lyle is survived by his daughter Nola (Roy) Kornder of Saskatoon; son Bob (Shannon) of Calgary, granddaughters Sydney, Gabrielle, Natalie; brothers-in-law Eric (Kay) Eccleston; Bob (Dorothy) Eccleston; cousin Gwen Cole and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years Phyllis in 2003, his parents Louis and Edna Wagner, brother Morley, sister Delores and sisters Vivian and Louis Jean in infancy. Dad was born in the Stone district February 8, 1925 and moved to the Star Butte district with his family in the spring of 1929. He attended school at Star Butte and Piapot. He completed his teachers training at Moose Jaw Normal School. Dad taught for 10 years at Aylesford, Carnagh and Piapot schools. In July 1957 he married Phyllis Eccleston and they made their home in Maple Creek. Here, he taught for 30 years, 23 of those years as principal of Jasper St. School. Always a gentleman, Dad had a rich life being a father, husband, teacher, traveler, historian and after he retired, an urban cowboy. He often said that the highlights of his life were the family camping trips each summer. They included Expo 67, most of the U.S. states, Disneyland and Disneyworld, the Yukon and Alaska. Each summer trip included a cousin to accompany Bob and Nola and sometimes their dachshund Snoopy. Later travels included trips to Phoenix, Las Vegas, England and the Maritimes. He loved traveling by car and meeting people along the journey. In the last few years Dad enjoyed the annual September rodeo trips to Pendleton, Oregon with his son Bob as chauffeur. He loved the cabin at Cypress Hills Park and would spend many hours raking leaves, chopping wood, planting flowers and “puttering,” as he would say. Dad enjoyed the small, simple things in his life. His favorites were his yard, his birds and bird feeders, clocks and woodwork, crib sessions, bargain hunting trips to Medicine Hat and Havre, his daily crosswords, watching Jeopardy and the Riders. He did a daily email to family and was the social networker. Dad was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church vestry for many years and enjoyed attending events at the church. He was also a member of the Superannuated  Teachers   of  Saskatchewan. Dad was a special guy who faced adversity with a calm, one-step-at-a-time approach. His words of advice were often “be brave.” He had a deep sense of fairness and a love of life and family. We all will miss you Dad. The funeral service was held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on Friday, February 8, 2013 (his 88th birthday) at 2 p.m. with Rev. Peter Boote officiating. Interment took place at the Maple Creek Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were all those who shared in Lyle’s life. Active pallbearers were Jim Gold, Mike Wagner, Larry Pederson, Jim Wagner, John Wagner, Cameron Eccleston. Those wishing to, may make donations to the Southwest Healthcare Trust c/o the Cypress Credit Union; the Jasper Historical Centre;  St. Mary’s Anglican Church or charity of choice. To email an expression of sympathy you may visit www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca. Binkley’s Funeral Service, Maple Creek and Leader, in charge of arrangements. 306-662-2292