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09/09/2006 Archived Entry: "Dick Wagner Passes (Oct. 20, 1926-Sept. 8, 2006)"
Dick Wagner Passes (Oct. 20, 1926-Sept. 8, 2006)
By Freddy Ryan
Grand Ave. Boxing Club, Portland
I'd like to report the passing of an exceptionally dear friend, Dick Wagner who passed away this morning one month shy of his 80th Birthday..
Although Dick was greatly loved, especially by all his boxing friends, his passing wasn't entirely sad..Dick was surrounded by his family, was quite alert untill the end, closed his eyes and went away...
Dick Wagner had a great association with boxing, a sport that he loved. His resume during the true Golden Age of Boxing includes bouts with: Floyd Patterson ( a SD loss, highly disputed}, Danny Nardico, Bob Murphy, Jake LaMotta, Artie Levine, Billy Fox, Dan Bucceroni, Joey DeJohn, Tibero Mitri.
Dick was was trained by Whitey Bimstein, managed by Jack Curley out of the old Stillman's gym on 8th Ave. in NY.
Dick was a talented Ringsman who graced such legendary arenas as ; Madison Square Garden, Easten Parkway, St. Nicholas, Detroit Stadium as well as all the small but remembered tank towns along the way..
Dick Wagner was born October 20th, 1926. He was a member of the Yakima Tribe and always proud of his Indian Heritage. As a mentor and instructor of young boxers one of his early charges was Stephan Forbes who he coached in his early teens at Knott Street Boxing Club in Portland.
I believe there is still a picture on the bullitin board in the gym of Stephan and Dick. Dick along with his wife, Liz were very busy and in demand as extras in the burgening movie industry here in his later years.
I would like to ask one and all to direct a note or postcard to his wife of many years; Liz Wagner : 6041 S.W. Vermont St. , Portland , Or 97219. Dick Met Liz in NY City when he arrived there with Leo Lomski to become a boxer. The story of their meeting, Love and marriage is a story in itself. Liz would very much appreciate any cards from those who remember Dick. Please do this.
Dick Wagner did exactly what he was suppossed to do in this life. He was kind and non-judgemental to all. He was, as most Ex-Boxers are; humble, caring and reverent.
May God be kind to him now.
