Hugh Wagner

Hugh Wagner

Hugh S. Wagner of Contoocook, New Hampshire, was a longtime summer resident of Boot Island in the Les Cheneaux Islands, making his first visit to the Snows in 1919 and enjoying his last visit in 2005. An avid sailor, he enjoyed taking the family for rides in the 1934 Chris-Craft runabout purchased by his grandfather from Mertaugh's in Hessel. Mr. Wagner was 88 when he died Saturday, April 14, 2007, at Hospice House in Concord, New Hampshire.

He was born July 20, 1918, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Carl and Sarah (nee Sutherland) Wagner. He was graduated from Shorewood High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Mr. Wagner served most of World War II as a naval aviator engaged in anti-submarine warfare. After VE day, he was in night fighters until the end of the war. While flying in the Naval Reserve out of NAS Grosse Isle, he had the opportunity to photograph construction progress of the Mackinac Bridge. He retired from the Naval Reserve in 1964 as a captain.

His corporate career was concentrated in the areas of sales, marketing, and general management. Mr. Wagner spent 14 years with Shell Oil Company in the Midwest and New England. The next 13 years were spent in the marine industry in New England. From 1973 until his retirement 17 years later, he represented Planned Equity Corporation in New Hampshire as regional vice president.

Mr. Wagner is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cameron B. Wagner; a daughter, Judith Howe of Nottingham, New Hampshire; four sons, Bill Wagner of Astoria, Oregon, Rick Wagner of Concord, Peter Wagner of Portland, Oregon, and Chuck Wagner of Dexter, and 12 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Daniel Wagner, and a sister, Carol Johnson.

Mr. Wagner's family will gather privately in New Hampshire to memorialize him.

Memorial donations can be made to the Les Cheneaux Historical Association, P.O. Box 301, Cedarville, Michigan 49719.