December 18, 2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leroy Michael Wagar of Merritt, BC, on December 18th, 2021 at 87 years of age. Leroy is survived by his loving wife Therese, children Michael Wagar of Nanaimo, BC, Daniel Wagar of Campbell River, BC, Robert Wagar of Fort McMurray, AB, and Donna Wagar of Prince George, BC, stepchildren Elywin Cartwright of Calgary, AB, Lyle Cartwright of Lantzville, BC, Gary Cartwright of Williams Lake, BC, Bob Cartwright of Calgary, AB, and Richard Meyer of Calgary, AB. Also left to cherish Leroy’s memory are 22 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 3 nieces and 1 nephew. Leroy was predeceased by his father Denver Wagar, mother Cora Wagar, and brother Lorne Wagar.

This is my Dad, Leroy Wagar, one of the toughest and most fearless guys I ever knew. He did things that I don’t know if I could have done myself. He joined the Air Force at age 18 and spent three years in post-war Europe. This is when the place was still in tatters and the UN had peacekeeping forces there during the rebuild. He visited the concentration camps. This is why anti-Jewish sentiment gets me so upset. We moved a lot when I was young. I don’t remember all the places, but he would typically move, get a place all set up and furnished, and then go look for a job. He had no fear of the unknown or the future. He did a lot of jobs too. He probably drove truck the most. He used to load trailers onto the old CPR Ferry in Nanaimo, and they had to be backed on. It was said that he probably backed up more miles than a lot of people drove forward in those days. His favourite beer was Pilsner Old Style. I think he liked the old-fashioned sentiment with the picture of the biplane, jalopy and train, but also because they started making it in 1934, the year he was born.

He was a simple man with simple likes. A beer, cigarette, and a good conversation out on the porch kept him happy. A few months ago, when he was in the hospital for another malady, a rumour was going around Merritt (where he lived) that he had died. So, the local branch of the Legion put their flag at half mast because of the news. My Dad got quite a kick out of that. He kind of liked the notoriety. He was the president of the Legion there for a number of years, and he was darn good at it too. Another thing about Dad was that he was usually lucky. He won more than his fair share of meat draws at the Legion. He used to be really good at poker too.

It was once said of him that he was so lucky, he had horseshoes up his arse, and it did no good to kick him because you would just drive them up further. Well Dad, the Merritt Legion has their flag at half mast for real this time and we love you more than you’ll ever know, and we are going to miss you <3.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Doctors and Nurses at Royal Inland Hospital. A Celebration of Leroy’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in Leroy’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

You may express a message of condolence at Alternatives Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2021-12-18
• Location : Kamloops