Alvin Wagner

The Swain Ski Patrol lost one of our alumni when Al Wagner passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, after heart surgery in Rochester. He was 80 years old.

Al was a member of the National Ski Patrol at Swain for 27 years from 1979 to 2006. He served as a first aid, WEC, and OEC instructor from 1982 to 1992. Al was a long time member of the Swain Executive Committee as Treasurer from 1984 to 1989 and as Assistant Patrol Director for OEC from 1989 to 1991. He received the Herbert Lehman Award as Swain’s Outstanding Instructor in 1992 and a Yellow Merit Star from the National Ski Patrol in 1990.

Al was always active in all aspects of patrolling at Swain and was a constant and welcoming presence at all of our events. He was a faithful friend to all patrollers who will always be remembered for his keen sense of humor and he was always respected for his advice to younger patrollers. Al’s steady confidence and warm personality will be missed by all who knew him and patrolled with him.

Al was predeceased by his parents, Carl & Sylvia Wagner and brother, Murray. He is survived by his loving daughters, Nettie (Ron) Goeler, Susan (Ron) Payer, Leigh (Russ) Bird and their mother, Janet Wagner; grandchildren, Rachael, Kate, Jacob, Justin and Miriam; and companion, Shelli Plosscowe. A Funeral Service was held at Temple Emanu-El and Interment was at Riverside Cemetery. Donations may be made to Temple Emanu-El or the American Heart Association in Al’s memory.

Written by Jeanne Eldridge,Swain Ski Patrol Alumnus and Nick Schiavetti, Swain Ski Patrol Alumnus