John C. Wagoner, a retired member of Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, died Nov. 24 at the age of 68. A medical examiner determined that he died of accidental drowning.
Wagoner was born in Vancouver, Washington and lived his whole life in the Camas and Washougal area. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1971. He worked at the Camas paper mill 38 years, until retiring. He was active in AWPPW, and served as area lobbyist for the union’s Washington/Alaska Area Council. He also produced a newsletter called “Politics for Workers.” He was active the local group Concerned Citizens in Action.
Wagoner is survived by his wife Penny, daughter Taletha, a grandson, and brothers, nephews and nieces.
A celebration of life was held Dec. 5 at the AWPPW Local 5 union hall in Camas, accompanied by the American Legion Cape Horn Honor Guard and the Patriot Guard Riders.
Wagoner was an avid motorcyclist and yachtsman, and lived on a boat. Friends are collecting contributions at Riverview Community Bank in Camas for a memorial in his name to be placed at the Port of Camas Washougal Marina.
