Orville Wagner

Orville Arnold Wagner

1938 ~ 2016

With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing on  Sunday, August 14, 2016 at the Portage District General Hospital of Orville Wagner at the age of 78 years.

Orville was predeceased by his wife Kathleen Anne (nee Campbell); his father and mother; brothers Ronald, Garth and Reg; sister Marlene Roche and sister-in-law Karene.

He leaves behind his son Allan (Kelli) and grand-daughters Samantha and Rachel, of Winnipeg:  son Arden (Katja Black) and grand-daughter Shayna Reese, of Calgary; daughter Amber (Steve Buko) and grand-daughter Hailey of Whitehorse, and very special friend and partner Lynn Miller.

Orville is also survived by his sisters-in- law Elsie of Winnipeg and Jan of Moose Jaw, SK; brother Barrie (Lynda) of Prince George, BC; brother-in-law Kevin Roche of Cambridge, Ontario  and a number of nephews and nieces.

Following graduation from high school in Moose Jaw, Orville enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army. While in the army, he graduated in 1959 from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree.  His final tour of duty was at RCAF Station, Southport.

Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Portage and managed Hargreaves Drug Store for a number of years prior to opening Lo-Cost Drug Mart in the city, and later, also, Lo-Cost Mall Drug.  Orville had a successful career in pharmacy locally, provincially and nationally as he was also markedly involved in the administration of pharmacy on the various levels.

Orville served two terms on the Portage and District School Board, and three terms of the Council of the City of Portage.

Following the announcement of the closure of the military base at Southport, Orville was involved in the formation of the corporation formed to re-develop the base into a viable business centre focused on military flight training.  He was the first chairperson of the corporation, serving for six years in that capacity.

In his personal life, Orville took great pride in his family and especially proud of his grand-daughters.  He particularly loved music and performing, learning to play his guitar, golfing and reading.

In 1995, Orville was awarded the Bowl of Hygeia by the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association in recognition of his community work.

In October of 2010 for a three year term, he was appointed Honourary Colonel of 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at Southport.

Orville is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 65 in Portage, a participating member of St Mary’s Anglican Church, an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Portage Minor Hockey Association and Honorary life Member of the College of Pharmacy of Manitoba.

Service to celebrate Orville’s life will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 1:00 pm at St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church, with the Rev. John Dolloff officiating.  Private family interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Flowers are gratefully declined.  If friends so wish, donations may be made in Orville’s memory to St. Mary’s la Prairie Anglican Church, 36-2nd Street SW, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 2A1, Community Foundation of Portage & District, P.O. Box 1153, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3J9, or William Glesby Centre, Portage Community Centre Inc., 11-2nd St, NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1R8.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com