William A. Wagner

July 15, 1931 – January 12, 2021

Oceanside – William (Bill) A. Wagner, 89, passed away peacefully at home on January 12. He was surrounded by his wife and all five children towards the very end.

Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up he developed a love for sports and excelling in swimming. He became a lifeguard and eventually a lifeguard Captain on the shores of Lake Michigan. His love for the water and lifeguarding would come full circle when later all five of his kids would work as lifeguards for the City of Oceanside. Bill received a full ride scholarship to the University of Utah for swimming.

At the University of Utah, or the “U” as he like to call it, Bill became captain of the swim team and graduated with a Master’s in Physical Education. After graduating, Bill served two years in the military service and would swim in the Military Olympics.

In 1959, Bill started his 30-year career for the Oceanside School District. His first job was as a PE teacher and swimming and basketball coach. He started the first swimming team at Oceanside High School. During the years between 1959 – 1971, Bill guided the Pirates to nine consecutive undefeated Avocado League championships and two CIF championships. During this time, he was named San Diego Swim Coach of the Year. Bill showed his versatility by coaching the Oceanside basketball team for four years during which his teams won three league titles. He was always very proud of the students he taught and coached and kept close tabs on their future accomplishments. Bill would later be inducted to the San Diego Hall of Champions in 2000.

Bill, during the summertime for many years, would teach hundreds of young boys and girls how to swim at the El Camino Country Club.

After his accomplishments at OHS, Bill decided to go into administration. With his big physical presence at 6’3” and his booming voice, he made an immediate impact working at Lincoln and Jefferson Junior High and later at Laurel and South Oceanside Elementary.

It was at Laurel that Bill started the district’s first Hall of Fame. Since 1982, more than 80 people have been inducted. The list reads like a Who’s Who of Oceanside’s Finest that include sports stars, musicians, actors, politicians and others from a wide variety of professions.

It’s hard to measure the influence Bill had on the City of Oceanside. His legacy will carry on by all that had the opportunity to be around him. Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth, five children Mike (Jeri), Lori Gould (Darren), Scott (Claudia), Dave (Jennifer), and Neal (Allie), as well as 12 grandchildren Nolan, Chase, Olivia, Cole, Ben, Wyatt, Ava, Jenna, Aubrey, Brianna, Beau and Reace. Bill instilled in his family to be involved in the community, which is evidenced by the fact that three of his kids became teachers, one a doctor and one a firefighter.

“Our dad was larger than life to everyone he came in contact with. People will always smile when his name is mentioned.”