Obituary | Henry D. Wagstaff

Henry Douglas Wagstaff
1926 - 2023

Wagstaff, Henry Douglas - Age 97, of Port Greville passed away peacefully into the presence of his Saviour on Wednesday October 18, 2023 at the Misericordia Community Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Born on August 26, 1926 in Port Greville, he was the third son of the late Gilbert and Rebecca (Parsons) Wagstaff.

Henry served with the Merchant Navy in World War II, and he continued to sail the seas for years after the war, before returning home to Nova Scotia. After his time at sea, he worked a few jobs: selling cemetery plots, fishmonger and was an insurance salesman, before joining the Canadian Forces Dental Corp. His time in the army saw him posted to HMCS Stadacona, HMCS Cornwallis, Base Borden and RCAF Station Gimli, before being posted to both CFB Griesbach and CFB Nameo in the Edmonton area.

He was a great story teller and source of local history, enrapturing folks for hours with recounts of life in his formative years. His most regaled accomplishments included his private pilots license (1974), speaking at an international conference in England (1981), and teaching at the University of Alberta (Dental Hygiene) 1980-1982, and being named honorary class president by his 1981 graduating class, himself a University of Alberta Bachelor of Arts graduate (1989).

He is survived by his sister, Jean Thomas (Ernest), Hamilton, Ont., his children, Paul (Darlene), Okotoks, Alta., Patricia Benson (Warren), Spruce Grove, Alta. and David (Joan), Edmonton, Alta.; his grandchildren, Amanda, Melissa (Daniel), Michael (Bean), Andrew, Steven (Katie) and Laura; 7 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Jacqueline (Pierce) in 2020; siblings, Charles, Millard, Freda, Dorothy; and his grandson-in-law, Deric Kryvenchuk.

In keeping with Henry's wishes, a private graveside committal service will be held in Riverbank Cemetery, Port Greville. Memorial donations may be made to the Port Greville Baptist Church or to the Age of Sail Museum (Blacksmith Shop).

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