Dieter Wagner
April 12, 2016
Born in Egestorf, Germany, to Margarete Pockrandt and Theodor Wagner, Dieter enjoyed a playful, rambunctious childhood living mostly with his loving grandparents in the German countryside. He was always getting into trouble as a boy, but grew up to be a man of great integrity.
In 1961 Dieter immigrated with his wife, Christel Elisabeth Meyer, to Edmonton, Canada. Later, they moved to Kitimat, B.C. where their children Norman, Olaf and Iris spent their childhoods. Dieter was a dedicated sailor and his children fondly remember sailing the waters around Kitimat in the summer. His greatest priority was always his family. While Dieter began his career as a millwright, by the time he retired he was one of the most respected “engineers” to work at Alcan. He was always heavily involved in his community as a Freemason, Shriner, President of the Kitimat Rod & Gun Club, and was on the Board of Directors of the B.C. Wildlife Federation.
In his retirement, Dieter worked tirelessly as an environmental activist opposed to the Enbridge Pipeline.
In 2012 he moved with Christel and their dogs to the Village of Queen Charlotte on Haida Gwaii.
Dieter lived his life with passion, uncompromising integrity and a life long love of learning and spreading good cheer. Dieter is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Christel, his daughter Iris, his sons Norman (Lori) and Olaf (Audrey) and their children Tylar, Tori, Dylan and Kelsey. He lived a good life and always stood up for what he believed in, raised three healthy and happy children, and was a loving Opa, husband and father.
He is not gone, just sailing ahead.
A service to honour Dieter and to scatter his ashes will be held in July.