John W. Wagers

John Wagers died Aug. 31, 2006, at home after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Rockies, First United Methodist Church, 717 N. 11th Street, Boise, Idaho. John was born April 5, 1932, in Carleton, Neb., to Alton E. and Emma B. Wagers. When John was five years old the family moved to Nampa, Idaho, to farm. He graduated from Nampa High School in 1950, excelling in track. He placed 2nd at the State Track Meet in the 1/2 mile. Scouting was very important to John, and he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. He joined the army during the Korean War, and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the Nampa area and attended Albertson College of Idaho where he graduated in Business Administration in 1957. He married Mary Jensen after graduation and the couple moved to Portland, Ore., where John was employed by Shell Oil Company, first in business management and later as a salesman in Seattle and Tacoma. The couple returned to Boise in 1962 when John purchased the E. K. Williams Bookkeeping business. The business flourished under John´s leadership. His many clients became life-long friends. One of his greatest joys was working with them and helping them to succeed in their businesses. In 1984, he purchased Idaho Candy Company. He loved being "The Candy Man" and thought his business to be "the sweetest job in Boise." In 1997, he served as President of the American Wholesale Marketing Association (AWMA). In 1991, his son Dave joined Idaho Candy Company. John wanted to never retire from the candy business (and never did), but leaves the family business in Dave´s capable hands. In 1991, President George Bush awarded John the Idaho Small Businessman of the Year Award in the Rose Garden of the White House. John was Cubmaster of Cole School Cub Scouts, and participated on the boards of several professional organizations, including the Administrative Board and the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee of the Cathedral of the Rockies, President of Junior Achievement, President of the Downtown Rotary Club of Boise, President of the Albertson College of Idaho Alumni Board, 12 year member of the Board of Trustees of Albertson College of Idaho, and member of the Kissler Foundation Board. John had a zest for life, always attacking each task, whether simple or complicated, with a smile and excitement. He was an avid fisherman, traveling to Oregon, Washington and Alaska in search of salmon. He spent many summer weekends boating with his family, and teaching his kids to water ski. John is survived by his wife Mary, son Gary (wife Kathy) of Walla Walla, son Ken (wife Tina) of Boulder, son Dave (wife Jill) of Boise, and seven grandchildren Daniella, James, Justin, Christopher, Kade, Savannah, Delaney; brother Leonard (wife LaVerne) of Nampa, brother Glen of Sacramento, sister Roberta Witteman (husband John) of Nampa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Albertson College of Idaho, Caldwell, Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI).