In the early hours of December 3, 2021, we lost a warrior…a man of iron…and the hardest working person that most of us have had the pleasure of standing beside, Melvin Dan Wagner. He was in his 84th year.
Affectionately known as “Mellie”, he was the textbook definition of give before you get. He could have easily been a wealthy man with his unmatchable work ethic and skills. Yet he chose to be humble and treat people fairly, and give beyond measure because it gave him internal pleasure. It is staggering to fathom the number the number of homes he worked on in Renfrew County between his careers in Carpentry with his brother Wilbert, Markus Construction, Base Petawawa, and of course, all the work he did on his own.
He never said I love you, he showed it. Google “they don’t make them like they used to” and his image will pop right up. He was a very funny man with a quick wit and sharp retort that would always catch you by surprise. One of our favourites was “Dad, do you want a drink?” DAD “Well, I’m not a camel”. Pure gold. He loved t-shirts with funny sayings. They were a conversation piece. However, they were most often a reflection of his true self. We always said that if he liked you, he would do anything for you. Nevertheless, he was also a real straight shooter. He did not mince words. To some his comments may come as a surprise. But not to those who knew him. He was brutally honest, so you always knew where he stood.
In past years he loved hunting. But his true hobby remained fishing his entire life. Over the years he fished a lot at John’s Lake and Riley Lake. But he his biggest loves were fishing at the bridge at Mackey on opening day for Pike and Pickerel on the Ottawa, and of course, Highland Lake. He knew the lake like the back of his hand. And even when he was there, he would be talking about the next time he would go back. For anyone that knew Mel, know too well, that only one lure was required!
We were crushed by the sudden thought of his possible departure. However, we were blessed to have some intimate moments before his passing. It has not in the least taken away the pain of losing him, but those moments have brought a profound sense of peace and assurance in the path taken. You will be greatly missed by all.
We would like to give a special thanks to all the Staff at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, mainly the Stroke Unit, and specifically the Nursing Staff who spent the most time with Dad in his brief stay. The kindness, compassion and dignity that they showed to him was unmatchable. They treated him like their own family member and friend. We are forever indebted to you for that. THANK YOU.
A Celebration of Life is being held Saturday Dec 18, 2021 at the Agricultural Hall in Cobden, from 1pm to 5pm. Proof of vaccination is required to attend. Any donations can be made in his name to the Pembroke Regional Hospital here prhfoundation.com/make-donation/ or by calling 613-732-2811 ext 6223.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Melvin Wagner December 3 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Renfrew, Province: Ontario