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RAYMOND WAGNER Obituary
WAGNER, RAYMOND DAVID Passed away on September 24, 2012, in San Diego, CA. He was born on February 29, 1924, in Philadelphia. He earned his degrees from the University of Pennsylvania before moving to San Diego to begin a 27-year career at Crawford HS. He then worked as an archivist for the San Diego Air & Space Museum and authored many books and articles on aviation history. He is survived by his wife, Mary, three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorial will be private and the family requests donations be made to the San Diego Air & Space Museum where he will be honored into their Hall of Fame Class of 2012 November 17, 2012.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RAYMOND WAGNER
Debbie (Ekhaml) Merrill
September 24, 2023
Hard to think it has been 11 years since his passing. Still in my thoughts, especially when they recently razed the 800 building. RIP.
GK
July 28, 2020
We miss him. Considered him as many others did as both friend and teacher. He befriended people as much as he taught them, solidifying and bringing good values into their life. Came back from Japan many times to visit him and his family. So many visitors came from far and near like that it must be hard for his family to keep track. He was well respected and loved.
Gayle Rae Elisabeth Gaudio Kienlen
July 28, 2020
We miss him. Considered him as many others did as both friend and teacher. He befriended people as much as he taught them, solidifying and bringing good values into their life. Came back from Japan many times to visit him and his family. So many visitors came from far and near like that it must be hard for his family to keep track. He was well respected and loved.
May 1, 2013
Great teacher. K. Province '67
thomas candreva
December 29, 2012
great person and teacher
Roger Covalt
October 13, 2012
Had Mr. Wagner for history at Crawford HS. As stated, he knbew his history (Crawford had a habit of having great history teachers). Would see him at the A&S Museum.
Diana (Brassey) Tibben
October 7, 2012
I knew Mr. Wagner through his son David. He was a great, kind man. My deepest sympathy to David and his family.
October 7, 2012
He was truly one of the good ones and gave us lessons that served us in life. Thank you.
Joe chester 64'
jerry foster
October 6, 2012
mr wagner was a great teacher and really knew his military history.1970
Jeffrey Moore
October 6, 2012
Mr. Wagner was one of my favorite teachers. He always made history come alive with anecdotes and stories. Glad to see he'll be recognized in the San Diego Air & Space Museum's Hall of Fame.
Marc Jensen
October 5, 2012
I was in Ray Wagner's World History class at Crawford High School in 1970. Few high school teachers made lasting impressions on me, but I have enduring good memories of Mr. Wagner. He treated me with respect and made me feel that I was welcome in his class on equal terms as another human being. I also was honored that he relied on me to routinely run the projector every time we say a movie - and we saw lots of movies. A good teacher and a good man that I am grateful to have known.
EmilyLorraine Haire Merrin
October 5, 2012
Fond memories, after all these years. Mr. Wagner was a great teacher, really cared about the success of his students. My sympathy to his family for such a great loss.
Joanne Marshall
October 5, 2012
Best teacher I ever had! Very dedicated and kind person. May he rest in peace.
Beverly Swaim Wickstrom
October 5, 2012
I adored Mr. Wagner. He was fantastic advisor for the PACER and I/we leardned so much from him. He emphasized accuracy and a strong work ethic. Anyone that was fortunate enough to have him during his many years at Crawford was blessed. I last saw him 5 years ago at our class ('62) 45th reunion at the el Pollo Loco. He looked great. My sincere condolences go to all of his family and friends...he was a gentle and kind man.
Christina (Taylor ) Simmons
October 4, 2012
Mr Wagner was a dear person, a mentor to many of us in AFS and a dear friend to my family. He is greatly missed.
Judy Stevenson
October 4, 2012
I was in Mr. Wagner's class (800 building) moments after the PSA plane crash occurred in North Park. I remember him stopping everything to obtain a transistor radio so that we could get updates. He was so engaged for his students that day and every day, in his own quiet way. My sympathy to his family and colleagues.
Debbie Ekhaml
October 3, 2012
Mr. Wagner was not only my great history teacher, mentor, an expert on aviation, author, but a wonderful person that I had the pleasure of not only babysitting for many years ago, but knowing in general. It was an honor to have had you in my life. My condolences to Mary, Wendy, David and the rest of his family. RIP.
Rich Martindell
October 1, 2012
Interesting, fun and personable. Great person to know
Katrina Pescador
October 1, 2012
He will be greatly missed at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, especially by the staff/volunteers in the Library & Archives. We look forward to his induction into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame, a well deserved honor for his contributions to aviation history.
John Fry
October 1, 2012
I'll never know if it was fate -- or a happy coincidence -- that allowed a teenager crazy about aviation to end up in the classroom of the author of "American Combat Planes", just as I'll never understand how Mr. Wagner came to Mr. Marley's Drafting Class and picked me to prepare the 3-way drawings of the B-19 for an article he was writing. I suspect it's because of Mr. Wagner that I ended up publishing airplane postcards and writing a book on the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. What a treat, in later years, to spend time with Mr. Wagner at the archives of the San Diego Aerospace Museum. By that time I was able to call him Ray. For some reason he insisted on calling me Jack. Some part of his brain may have confused me with Jack Frye, who developed Trans World Airlines. I was honored to know him. I hope he knew how he shaped my life.
Cory Crowell
September 30, 2012
Ray was a pleasure to work with at the museum... that picture says it all. That is how I'll remember him. Always ready to help research something, usually able to walk RIGHT up to the book on the shelf, pull it down, then spin to the right page! What a treasure. My condolences to the family. In my mind, though, Ray is still behind his desk, nose buried in a book. Hard to think of him any other way.
Mark Betlejewski
September 30, 2012
Mr. Raymond was my World History Teacher at Crawford in 1980. He was one of the teachers that made me look forward to going to school. I always remember him as the best teacher I had in high school, and afterwards I went on to earn a degree in History myself. I remember him fondly and offer my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
VIvien Isom
September 30, 2012
He was a lovely person and a very good teacher; one of the best at Crawford. My sympathies to his family.
Marta Wagner
September 30, 2012
I'm glad to spend more time with my grandpa as much I can before he died. I will missed him.
Brooke Watson
September 30, 2012
So sorry to learn of your loss.
My deepest condolences to you and
your family.
John Bolthouse
September 30, 2012
My deepest condolences to Ray's family. He was a tremendous historian, a fine gentleman and all-around nice guy. I was honored to know him, enjoy his company, and benefit from his wisdom, research and work ethic. It's gratifying to know that so many others appreciated his lasting contribution to the field of history and will to benefit from his work for years to come.
Teresa Rutledge
September 30, 2012
Mr. Wagner was my teacher at Crawford in the 1970's. He was one of the best; a wonderful and kind man. I remember him fondly. Condolences to his family.
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