December 1, 1951 — July 5, 2024

It’s with great sadness, and an extremely heavy heart that we announce the passing of Judith Delle Wagar on July 5th, 2024 in Kelowna British Columbia, after a brief illness, at the age of 72.

Judy is survived by Christopher Allan Wagar, from a previous marriage.

She is survived by numerous close friends that were like family to her, in Kamloops and in the Kelowna area. Judy also is survived by numerous former colleagues that were like family to her, in the Kamloops and Vancouver Corrections Branch. Judy worked with honor, pride, and distinction for the BC Corrections Branch for 30 years.

Judy was predeceased by her dear mother, Alice Lorraine Bennett, and her father Reginald Joseph Bennett.

Judy will also be missed by the love of her life and her world, her dear cat Comeer. Comeer was her constant companion and soul mate.

Judy was born Dec 1, 1951 in Vancouver British Columbia. Judy worked in various jobs while growing up, and then in her early 20s, she wanted to join the RCMP. This was in 1974, when the RCMP was re writing their own history, by accepting the first female applicants into the force to be trained Police officers.

For financial reasons, Judy decided to start a career in Provincial Corrections and never looked back.  A career which she loved, excelled at, and was very proud of. Judy made history herself, by being the first female Correctional Officer (Gaol Guard) to work in an all-male maximum security prison.

Judy started working at the famous Oakalla Prison August 28, 1974. The Oakalla Prison was located in Burnaby BC. Judy worked there for 13 years, and then got transferred to Kamloops Regional Correctional Center in 1987, and stayed there until she retired in 2004. Judy was also nominated and won Correctional officer of the year.

Judy didn’t just set the bar, she was the bar, and pioneer for future women working in the Correctional centers. Judy was highly respected by her peers and the clients she served.

Judy was a mentor and colleague to many, Judy had a huge impact on so many of her colleagues, and mentored many new officers, passing on valuable lessons and skills, that she learned through years of experiences working in the Institutions.

Judy was very dedicated, professional, hardworking, and extremely knowledgeable in all facets of her job.

Once retired from her life as a Correctional Officer, Judy took on a similar role and new career in the Casino Industry.  Judy began working for Lake City Casinos, then became Gateway Casinos & Entertainment.  Judy worked at the downtown Casino location, when it was in hotel 540 on Victoria Street.

Judy took that career head on, and in her approximately 10 years there, had established herself again as a very dedicated, professional, Security Officer with an incredible work ethic. Judy brought a wealth of experience, knowledge, and transferable skills to her new role as a Security Officer.

Judy was respected by her peers, and loved by the customers she interacted with. Judy again mentored many young Security Officers, and helped them aspire into the Corrections and Police fields.

Judy’s dedication and professionalism was the bench mark and measuring stick for the entire Security team at Gateway Casinos in Kamloops.

Judy will be sadly missed by all her close friends and colleagues that knew her, and worked with her.

Judy we will never forget you as you will always be in our hearts and in our thoughts.

God Bless, we love you forever….

The Memorial Service for Judy will be Saturday December 14, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the Schoening Funeral Chapel, 513 Seymour Street, Kamloops.

Interment will be at a later date at the Mountain Vista Mausoleum Hillside Cemetery Kamloops, BC.

Should friends want to make a donation in Judy’s memory, please do so to the SPCA in your area.

• Date : 2024-07-05
• Location : Kamloops