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Bernard (Ben) Wagner
December 23, 1928 - January 8, 2025
Tribute
Ben (Bernard) Wagner died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife in Oliver, BC on January 8, 2025, sixteen days after his 96th birthday.
He was predeceased by his father, Rudolf; mother, Elizabeth; sister, Alma and brothers, Roy, Fred, John and Gerry, and his first wife Stella. He is survived by his wife of more than 15 years Eileen, step children, Robin (Bernie) McNeil, Laurel (Richard) McKay, Darren Dainard and partner Wendy Rubuliak, Corey Dainard; 3 granddaughters, 2 grandsons and 5 great grandchildren; loving sister, Mary Dennis, and many nieces and nephews.
During his working years he was a logger, miner, construction worker, pulp mill plumber and Maintenance Supervisor for the Vanderhoof School District. His true love was prospecting and placer mining. He and his partner had a very successful claim on Tom Creek in northern BC, selling the gold to jewelers in Vancouver.
Ben loved to travel with his wife Eileen throughout Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean and Europe. His favourite was a riverboat cruise from Austria to Amsterdam where he saw the area his parents came from. For their honeymoon Ben took Eileen back to see his beloved north country, where in his younger days he climbed mountains and paddled rivers.
Ben had a deep love for his Samoyed dog Nikki, who won the Canadian Championship in Edmonton in 1971.
Ben had a passion for sports, watching and participating, especially baseball. As a 17 year old he was recruited to play baseball in Ontario. While in Prince Rupert, Ben won many bowling trophies. While in Vanderhoof Ben was part owner and manager of the boys minor hockey team the Vanderhoof Bears. He traveled with the boys to their out of town games, loving every minute of it. Ben loved to play golf and did so to the age of 89. At 85 he golfed his age and there is a picture of this achievement at the Nk’mip Canyon Desert Golf Course. He was an avid Edmonton Oilers fan and Toronto Blue Jays fan.
Ben loved Eileen’s family, especially the great grandchildren. He will be missed by all of his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday January 18, 2025 at Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Chapel, 5855 Hemlock Street, Oliver, BC.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Ltd.
The Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Brian & Linda Wagner
Relation: Nephew
We hold wonderful memories of Uncle Ben close to our hearts. The numerous summers we spent with him in Oliver when our kids were young were filled with paddling down the Penticton canal, fruit picking, and countless games of Rumolli. When Ben and Eileen married, he couldn’t have been happier. Eileen, you were a true blessing to him. We know that the love and companionship you shared brought him immense joy and comfort.
Ben’s kindness, humor, and adventurous spirit touched all who knew him. Whether sharing stories, enjoying a game night, or lending a helping hand, he created moments that will stay with us forever. He was a man who truly valued family and the simple joys in life, leaving us with cherished memories we’ll hold dear.
Rest peacefully, dear Uncle Ben. You will be deeply missed and always fondly remembered.
Brian, Linda, Alecia & Amanda
From: John Myrna Bailey
Relation: Long time Friend
He lived a good life and a long healthy one. Ben did most of the things in life a lot of fellows would dream of. We are so much richer for having known Ben. We’ll miss our phone calls but you’ll always be in our memories.
From: Gary Kennedy
Relation: Neighbour & Golf Friend
Ben, was a Real Gentleman. I played many games of golf with Ben at Inkameep Canyon Golf Course it was always a treat.
RIP BEN
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Date & Time:
January 18, 2025
Beginning at 1:30pm
Location:
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Chapel
5855 Hemlock Street
Oliver, BC Canada
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday January 18, 2025 at Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Chapel, 5855 Hemlock Street, Oliver, BC.
5855 Hemlock Street
Oliver, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Live Service
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Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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