Earle Steadman Wagner

WAGNER, (Capt.) EARLE STEADMAN, 99, passed away December 1, 2023 in Halifax, N.S. weeks away from his 100th birthday. He was born in West La Have, N. S., the eldest son of the late Karl and Laura Wagner. A veteran of World War II, and a Master Mariner, Capt. Wagner was associated with the marine industry for over 48 years.

Surviving: daughter, Susan (David) Macdonald, Rhodes Corner; sons, Barry (Ella), Moncton; David (Darlene Smith), Eastern Passage; grandchildren: Mark Macdonald (Clare Brebner), Matthew Macdonald, (Chloe Liepzig ); Jeffrey (Jacqueline) Wagner and Jennifer Wagner (Alex Cummings). Predeceased by his wife, Ruth (Nowe), son, Brian, lady-friend, Vivian Sponagle and his siblings: Annie, Ferne, Maxwell, Capt. Moran, Barbara and Karl Jr.

In 1943 at the age of seventeen, Earle joined the Merchant Navy sailing on Imperial Oil tankers transporting oil from South America to Halifax during the war. He rose through the ranks earning his Master F/G Certificate in 1951. He commanded LSTs when Canada established Distant Early Warning (DEW) sites in the Arctic. He was a pilot and port warden at Churchill, Man. He taught navigation at the Nova Scotia Nautical Institute.

His greatest sense of accomplishment in his working career came during his 23 years as Marine Superintendent, Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He initiated and managed the “double-crewing” system on government vessels. He felt this operation radically improved the life styles of seafarers and their families. It reduced the number of vessels needed to provide services and benefited Canada financially.

In his retirement Earle continued to organize, initiate and manage: memorials, plaques, reunions, and donations to museums. His favourite project was the Merchant Navy Memorial on the Halifax waterfront. He believed these memorials would help Canadians remember our contribution to the war.

Earle had a great memory and loved to tell stories. He became well-known in the local media for his Remembrance Day war time recollections. He kept journals and scrapbooks. He published his genealogical research and his mariner memories which he gifted to his family. He was a responsible citizen and consumer with many a company or official receiving a crisp letter to voice Earle’s thoughts.

Earle thrived on physical activity. For years he kept a large backyard vegetable garden. He maintained his house and property himself. He skated and swam. He walked the neighbourhood each day (sometimes twice!) challenging himself to improve his time.

Earle was an active member of St. Augustine’s and St. James Anglican Churches. He was a life member of the Master Mariners of Canada. He was a Regional Director of the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association and National Chairman of CMNVA Memorial Fund. He was a Royal Canadian Legion member for over 75 years. He sang with enthusiasm enjoying the practices and performances with the New Players Chorale Society.

Earle valued education. He encouraged his children and grandchildren along their way. A life-long learner, at the time of his death, he was a student of the Senior College of Nova Scotia (SCANS). He was pleased to establish awards and incentives for the study of causes dear to his heart. His last educational gift is the donation of his remains to Dalhousie Medical School.

Earle was looking forward to a bowl of chowder on his 100th birthday (Christmas Day) and a party with family and guests. The family invites you to celebrate his life on Thursday, December 28, St. James Anglican Church, 2668 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax. Funeral service at 2 PM and Reception 3:00 PM.

Memorial donations if desired may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.