Roy Melvyn Keith Wagner

Roy Melvyn Keith Wagner passed away unexpectedly on January 9, 2024. Roy is survived by Jane, his wife of 40 years, his children Mark A.J. Wagner of Vancouver, Kristy Klassen of Saskatoon, Sean Stilwell (Tamara) of Burlington, Vermont, Mark Stilwell (Michelle) of Parksville, and siblings Gary (Sylvia) of Winnipeg, Garth (Marlene) of Calgary, Neil (Susan) of Crowsnest Pass, and Joan (Gene Meyer) of Regina, plus eight grandchildren (Adam, Tiffany, Kai, Brandon, Spencer, Miranda, Zoe and Sarah), and two great grandchildren (Mason and Hudson). He was predeceased by his son Paul Pain.

Roy received a BEd., BSc., taught science, then earned a MEd, and eventually a PhD.  In the early 1970s, he was hired as a Professor of Extension at the University of Saskatchewan, became the Associate Director of Extension, and then the Director of the Language Centre. He lived in Saskatoon for most of his professional life and retired in 2002.

Roy was a special person to all who knew him. He loved the outdoors. He and Jane built a cabin at Candle Lake, Saskatchewan, and spent many enjoyable summers there. Sometimes visitors helped with the building process, with many adventures such as smashed thumbs, misread blueprints, and people falling through floor joists. One cold winter weekend they had guests when the septic tank froze. It did not thaw until spring! But whatever happened, Roy was a problem solver to the core. All ended well.

At Candle Lake, Roy and Jane established a large garden for flowers and vegetables and even built a remote-controlled greenhouse to ensure a longer season. They hiked the trails in the area regularly and cross country skied in the winter. They joined the Seniors’ Club and made friends. Roy had a large personality and they both really enjoyed hosting visitors.

It was there that Roy became a beekeeper. He kept up to 40 hives, did the processing himself, sold honey to the Co-op, and shared some with friends and relatives. His brother called him Mr. Crash Bang because he always moved quickly, made noise, and got stung by his own bees.

While in Candle Lake, Roy had a sailing boat and was delighted to take visitors out for a trip or picnic on the lake. He was eager to share his knowledge, was ALWAYS the Skipper and expected immediate obedience when a turn had to be made. Sometimes people got hit by the boom, and once the boat turtled - close to shore, luckily.

Roy tackled any new activity with enthusiasm and often drew others into his projects. He was free with advice for everyone…it was offered universally without discrimination. He was a great organizer. When he was asked to care for his son’s dog Ruby for a few days there was no hesitation. He just wanted to know when to pick the dog up even though the date was two months away! He was embarrassed when the family would not let him forget the year he booked flights on the wrong weekend for the Wagner sibling gathering!

Roy always enjoyed music and learned how to play the cello. After practising for hours every day, however, he developed tennis elbow and had to give it up. Once, being a multi-tasker, he was eating a sandwich while playing and got peanut butter on the strings!

After Roy and Jane moved to Nanaimo they continued to garden. Roy tackled the jungle in the back yard and realized quickly he had to control the growth rather than encourage it. He and Jane created paths, perennial beds, bushes, and flowers. He had at least a dozen containers to grow vegetables and called them his ‘pot garden.’

Roy and Jane decided to play bridge regularly as a couple and made some very close friends. He was successful in earning a Bronze Life Master’s Certificate in Contract Bridge. Card playing and being in charge came naturally to him. He organized Rummoli games for the grandchildren and Hearts tournaments at the annual Wagner sibling gatherings. He delighted in choosing appropriate prizes for the winner and loser!

There was lots of laughter when Roy was around. There were stories about him, about whoever was in the room, and often about people not in the room! He enjoyed sharing memories with others – especially if his version was different!

Roy was a devoted and capable caregiver for his aging mother in Saskatoon. He was big-hearted, always offering time and effort whenever it was needed and even sometimes when it was not. He and Jane were good friends to their neighbours and received friendship in return. He loved dogs and had many over the years, sometimes two at once! The last dog, Mara, was special…Roy had a portrait painted of her.

Over the years Roy and Jane travelled to South America, China, and Europe. The travel was initially related to his work but then became experiences enjoyed with friends. Roy joined a sailing co-op to satisfy his love of being on the water and enjoyed sailing for many years.

Professor, beekeeper, builder, sailor, father, grandfather, loving husband….he led a full and productive life. The world is emptier now. He will be sorely missed.

A service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the SPCA in Roy’s name.