Obituary of Frederick Lyle Wagman

WAGMAN, FREDERICK (FRED) LYLE S.O.M.

February 6, 1937 - July 18, 2023

Fred was born to Alec and Bell (Junker) Wagman. He spent his entire life in Regina, the city he loved, until his retirement in 2000 when he and the love of his life, Anita, moved to their homes at Wee Too Beach for the summer and Thousand Palms, California in the winter. Fred and Anita had two children, Lisa (Randy) Clarke in Scotch Creek, B.C. and Cozumel, Mexico, and Troy (Bonnie) in Regina; one precious grandchild, Kyla who lives in Regina.

Fred's formal education took place at St. Joseph elementary school and Campion Highschool followed by University in Edmonton and Regina. During his early years and throughout his entire life, he was involved in sports. He played Baseball, Fastball, Hockey (Regina Pats -1951-54), Football (Regina Rams- 1955-57) and swam competitively with the YMCA swim team. He loved the competition and was a fierce competitor. He curled (served as the President of the Regina Curling Club) and was a member of the organizing committees for two Briers and two Silver Brooms. Later in life, he became an avid golfer in retirement and served as President of the Regina Beach Men’s Golf Club. He umpired little league games and coached minor league football.

Fred was the President of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and represented the club as Governor of the CFL in 1996 and 1997. He organized a telethon to sell tickets to keep the team from bankruptcy in 1997. He was most proud of the fact that the only time the Riders played in the Grey Cup between 1989 and 2007 was under his presidency in 1997. He was a crazy fan-had more Rider paraphernalia than was decent! He purchased his first season tickets in 1958 and continued to support the team with four season tickets. He passed away covered by a Rider blanket, what could be better!!

Fred spent 43 years in the field of communications. He worked at CKCK TV from 1957 to 1966 and then took over the Television Center at Miller High School until 1975. During his stint at Miller, he was a consultant for radio/TV services for the Catholic School System and taught University summer classes. After Miller, Fred became the first employee of Cable Regina/Access Communications. He remained President and CEO until his retirement. He was the President of Sask Cable, an organization of Saskatchewan cable companies and went on to become Chairman of the Board of the Canadian Cable Television Association. In 1997, because of his work on behalf of the industry, his cable industry colleagues recognized Fred, naming him a member of the Honors List.

Fred's involvement in community activities was significant. He was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and became the 101 st President of the Regina Chamber of Commerce. During his time with the Chamber, he was instrumental in the inception of the Regina Economic Development Authority. He was President of the Regina Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, and a Life Member. He served on the Hospitals of Regina Foundation Board for nine years, and with his friend, Abe Toews, started the golf tournament that has raised over 1.5 million dollars for Regina's hospitals.

To round out his volunteer activities, he served on the Board of Ducks Unlimited (DU) Canada for 14 years and was Director Emeriti. In the Wagman household, you had to tread carefully for fear of banging into some sort of Ducks Unlimited item! Fred was a huge supporter both in advocacy and financially. He named DU as beneficiary of a substantial insurance policy.

Fred and Anita moved into College Park II in October 2017 and became active participants in most everything going on there. Of course, Fred was the President of the College Park II Residents' Council for ongoing terms. Anita passed away in 2021. Fred was also predeceased by his parents; father and mother-in-law Frank and Helen; brother Glen; sister-in-law Mary; and brothers-in-law George and Jerry. He is survived by his children; granddaughter; sister Diane; sisters-in-law Carol, Maddie, and Noel; brothers-in-law Harris and Greg; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The Province of Saskatchewan honored him in 2001 with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, the highest honor the Province can bestow upon its citizens. In 2022, he was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Fred was quite a guy! He will be missed by all who knew him. To honor his memory, buy a ticket to a Rider game or make a donation to Ducks Unlimited!!

There will be a private family gathering and burial at a later date.

To leave an online message of condolence please visit, www.speersfuneralchapel.com.