WAGNER, Russell F. (Russ)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Tuesday, January 06, 2015 Dr. Russell F. Wagner Prescott has lost a well respected Psychologist and Friend to the community over the Christmas holidays. Dr. Russell F. Wagner, age 66, died on Dec. 26, 2014, surrounded by family and friends, at Hospice of the Valley in Surprise, Arizona. He was born in Herkimer, New York, to Maxine and George Wagner, both deceased. His battle with cancer was fortunately brief. He was hospitalized in Phoenix following Thanksgiving and was transferred to hospice a week before his passing. "Dr. Russ," as he was often called by, has provided psychological evaluations, consultations and therapy to Prescott and the surrounding area for over 26 years. He dedicated his life's work to treatment and advocacy for youth and families. He and his wife, Gail, have actively managed "Wagner & Associates" since locating in Prescott. For 18 years, prior to his residence in Prescott, he and his family lived in Maine. He received his master's degree at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He received his doctorate in Psychology from the University of Maine, Orono. Russ was an avid tennis player and the captain and co-captain of several U.S.T.A. teams. Many of his friends, shared the same passion for the sport and played several times a week. He and Gail were on the Prescott Area Tennis Association board, in the early days of this organization, and helped to develop opportunities for the public to play, in Prescott. Russ also loved music. His favorite music was rock 'n' roll, the blues and folk. He played several instruments but was primarily drawn to the guitar. He was a competent musician. He was a private person and played music largely for his own pleasure and for his family. He was listening to a friend sing and play guitar with his family and friends sitting with him when he passed. While in Maine, he also had a passion for white water kayaking and canoeing. His wife and children have many fond memories of these trips and loads of survival stories! He always enjoyed time with nature. However, his first love and devotion was to his family. He married Gail, 40 years ago, their vows were "forever in the here and now." They tried to enact that vow by being ever present for each other with mutual love and respect. They met in graduate school and have worked and played and raised a family together ever since. It was a beautiful 40 years. He was a kind man and loved deeply. He and Gail were blessed with four fantastic children, Russell G. Wagner, (San Antonio, Texas, married to Suna Song Wagner and father of three), Joseph R. Wagner (Centralia, Illinois, married to Lisa Wagner and father of four), Jonathan Wagner (Marion, Illinois, married to Mandy Wagner and father of one), Stephanie M. Wagner Galetti (Belleville, Illinois, married to Trenton Galetti and mother of two). All of their children are "good human beings," as Russ would say! He was very proud of his children and delighted with his 10 grandchildren. He was a great father and grandfather. Russ will be greatly missed by family, friends and many more. At his request, he donated his body to Research For Life to help find medical cures and give others transplant opportunities. A celebration of his life will occur at the Prescott Resort in the Clarkdale/Cottonwood Room on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at 1 p.m. Please feel free to join us in this life celebration. Bring stories to share! In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ronald McDonald House's, Make-A-Wish Foundation or any organization that benefits children or the Hospice of your choice. Information provided by survivors.