Christopher Joseph Wagoner

WAGONER

CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH WAGONER February 8, 1962 - November 20, 2022

Christopher Joseph Wagoner passed away on November 20, 2022 with family by his side, after fighting late-stage gallbladder cancer. He had a 33-year career with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center (Winpisinger Center), before his recent retirement in July 2022.



Chris dedicated his life to training and educating union activists, having served as the director, assistant director, and an education representative of the Winpisinger Center from 1989 to 2022. He was a constant figure, training and empowering thousands of people who came to participate in leadership, organizing, negotiations and other training programs. During his tenure as director of the center, he oversaw a massive expansion in programming, including negotiations preparation, remote learning, and Spanish-language classes. Through his teaching and leadership, he dedicated himself to creating an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment for the labor movement--free of discrimination for all.



Prior to joining the IAM, Chris worked at the Committee on Labor and Industry in the Kentucky General Assembly as well as the Labor Education Program and the Illinois Hazardous Waste Worker Training Program at the University of Illinois.



Chris received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Louisville, a master's degree in labor and industrial relations from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, and an education specialist degree from The George Washington University.



Outside of work, Chris was passionate about nature and hiking. Among many other hiking adventures, he and his daughter completed the 94-mile Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier in 2019. Additionally, he was a ham radio enthusiast and fluent in Morse code. Chris enjoyed operating his ham radios from his meticulously self-built shed and exchanging notes with other hams globally.



Chris's Celebration of Life will be held on December 10, 2022, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Winpisinger Education Center in Hollywood, MD. The Service of Remembrance will begin at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.



Chris loved dogs and Guide Dogs of America was his favorite charity, where he adopted his beloved dog Brandi and volunteered in various activities. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Guide Dogs of America via https://www.guidedogsofamerica.org [guidedogsofamerica.org].



The Morris-Wagoner family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Hospice of St. Mary's for their excellent care.