Victor J. Wager III

Vic passed away May 28th 2018 of congestive heart failure. He enjoyed his last day with family and friends celebrating a relative's graduation.

Vic was born Oct 6, 1936 to Victor J Wager Jr & Barbara Pidgeon Wager in Tucson, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, little brother Jerry S Wager, and great grandson Thor Thompson.

Vic grew up in Nogales, Arizona and graduated from Nogales High School in 1954. He was active in football and band. Yes, he played the accordion. He worked for the city of Nogales as an assistant recreational director. He served in the US Navy for two years like his brother Jerry.  Vic continued his education at Woodbury Business College, Burbank, CA. He was a member of Gamma Sigma Pi Fraternity and graduated in 1957.  At Woodbury Business College, Vic met and married Colleen M Baugh. They had three daughters together, Denise, Cindy, and Pam, and later divorced. He then married Linda Marine Wilcox Aug 6, 1983.

Vic worked for Fidelity and Deposit Company in California right out of college. He transferred to Salt Lake City, in 1963 as assistant manager with F&D and then became manager in 1967. He founded Superior Insurance Services shortly thereafter where he worked until his retirement in the late 1990s.  Vic never turned down the opportunity to be involved in the community. He was active in the Salt Lake Jaycees, serving as President in 1967-68.  He belonged to the Salt Shakers, Blue Goose & Ducks Unlimited. Here, life long friendships developed. Vic was instrumental in starting the girl's softball league, Bonnet Ball, and he coached all three of his daughter's teams. Along with Jack Leatherbury, he took the teams to California, and Moab for tournaments. They took the All- Star team to championships in Colorado. Vic's player's experienced many great memories, victories and "short cuts" on road trips.  

Vic was an outdoor enthusiast. Past times included hunting, fishing, skiing, golf, and tennis. He took an interest in genealogy later in life and spent many hours researching long lost relatives, even finding some new ones in between breaks mastering Solitaire. On one memorable drive to Nogales, he regaled us with stories of relatives who lived near every off ramp we passed, including second cousins twice removed.  Vic enjoyed spending as much time as he could at the Wagerhaus in Manila, UT. Together with family and friends, he loved a good drive through the Uintas, floating the Green River, fishing on the lake, and planting trees. It was here at the "Gorge" where some of his best batches of salsa were made. Oh, how we all will miss the salsa!

Vic's most beloved group was his Thursday's Intrepid Tippler's. Over 50 years ago, this group of powder skiers hit the slopes of Alta.  Alta has never been the same.  A huge thanks to the late great Don Page for providing the après ski accommodations and pink slips.Family and friends were very important to Vic. He held a special place in his heart for each and every one of you. He loved catching up and sharing memories.

Dad, we love you dearly. You will be missed by all. You made your "final, final" run to the Rose Tree. This is your Coup de Gras!

Vic leaves behind his wife Linda, daughters, Denise Wager, SLC; Cindy McRoberts (Drew) Pocatello, ID; Pam Thompson (Jeff) SLC.  Children by marriage Darin Wilcox (Stephanie) Midway, UT; Jeff Wilcox (Suzanne) SLC; Lisa Bailey (Curt) Chicago, IL; Angela Wilcox, SLC. Grandchildren:  Amanda, Austin; Sydney, Charley, Sawyer; Jake, Megan; Lydia, Margaux, Elise, Laine; Caroline and Ava. Great Grandchildren: Mila Thompson, Nicholas Rufener, and special little friend Ruby Haglund.

A celebration of Vic's life will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.