Capt. Wagner served with the Merchant Navy during the Second World War. Upon retiring after 48 years of marine service, Capt. Wagner became an active member and President of the Canadian Merchant Navy Association and Chairman of the Master Mariners of Canada, Memorial Fund, Maritime Division. Capt.Wagner has worked tirelessly on behalf of his fellow Merchant Navy Veterans. As a result of the efforts of Capt. Wagner and others, Merchant Navy Veterans are eligible for pension and program benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada. Capt. Wagner has also devoted considerable effort to have a Wartime Service medal struck on behalf of Merchant Navy Personnel. Capt. Wagner was Chairman of the Memorial Fund, where he was responsible for the National Merchant Navy War Memorial on the Halifax waterfront. He has contributed more than 50 commemorative plaques to cenotaphs throughout Canada and has donated two scale model Second World War ships to the Canadian War Museum. Capt.Wagner was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for his lifetime of service to Canada and his comrades.