My father, a long time baja adventurer, passed away on August 18th in Punta Priete, BCN. I just wanted to share the story with you fellow Baja Lovers,
as he was very into this forum.
Jeffrey Mark Wagner, 56, carpenter, licensed General Contractor, boat builder, ship captain, father, husband, brother, and uncle passed away Thursday,
August 18th, in Punta Prieta, Baja California Norte, Mexico as a result of a traffic accident.
Jeff, known for his radical approach to life and for his love of Mexico, began building a 42-foot sailboat, the KIYOMI, in his front yard in Venice,
California at the age of 21. A yacht was a necessity for him to go to surfing spots in Mexico for which there were no road access. His love of surfing
began in grade school and carried thru his school years and his service in Vietnam.
After finishing the yacht when he was 29 he began living on it full time in a slip in Marina del Rey. He and his then-wife, Karen Yoshida, raised two
children, Naomi & Christina Wagner, on the vessel and made many trips in it down to Mexico. His favorite island to sail to off of the coast of
Mexico is Guadalupe Island. In fact, he loves it so much all of his friends and family call it ?Jeff?s Island?.
His favorite city in Baja California is La Paz. He loves the size of the bay, the diversity of sea life, the people and the weather. When he was 45 he
moved down to La Paz permanently on the yacht from Marina del Rey with his wife, Joan Hamilton, where they sail, fish, and enjoy many evenings with
their family and friends.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Joan Hamilton; his daughters, Naomi & Christina Wagner; his ex-wife Karen Yoshida; his sister, Lynda Crooks, and his
nephews, Justin Honer & Ricky Crooks.
A memorial service is scheduled on the KIYOMI, Saturday November 19th, 2005 at 10:00am out of the Bercovich Marina in La Paz. Ship will set sail
promptly at 11:00am. Jeff will never be forgotten but loved and remembered FOREVER.
are who us younger Baja-lovers aspire to be one day...best wishes to you and your familybajaden - 10-5-2005 at 01:12 PM
Didn't know him but you have my sympathy. Sounds like a person I would have enjoyed knowing. They say the good die young.
At a feast of ego's everyone leaves hungry...
Very sad indeed.
Sharksbaja - 10-5-2005 at 01:41 PM
My condolences to the family.
May his love for Baja live on through our passions.vandenberg - 10-5-2005 at 02:53 PM
MY CONDOLENCES !!
And a reminder how deadly dangerous this road is.David K - 10-5-2005 at 03:13 PM
Thank you for sharing his story with us fellow Baja lovers!Eli - 10-5-2005 at 07:23 PM
Naomi,
So young, so tragic, I empatize with your lose. May his spirit rest in peace, but his love for Baja continue on in the likes of those of us that share
his passion for this most magical of places. Sincerely, Saracapt. mike - 10-6-2005 at 04:46 AM
My condolences, what was his sign on here?BajaNomad - 10-6-2005 at 06:00 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by capt. mike
...what was his sign on here?
[Edited on 10-6-2005 by BajaNomad]Naomi - 10-6-2005 at 07:48 AM
Thank you EVERYBODY for your kind thoughts!
To be honest, all I have is very fond memories of my daddy. I grew up sailing and traveling with him down to mexico, and his life is the life I hope
to have...
