Christopher James Wagner

We lost one of the good guys on Sunday, February 18, 2018. Chris came bounding into this world on December 5, 1966 to the loving arms of John and Jean Wagner. Born in Brigham City, Utah but spent his early life in Edgemont in Utah County. Chris had an outgoing and fun-loving attitude towards everything and everyone. He was known for a colorful personality and generosity for all; never shying away from challenges or new beginnings. He was someone who made friends easily and brought simple joys to all he came in contact with. Chris grew up close to the mouth of Provo Canyon and was involved in everything outdoors from an early age. He learned from dad that a strong work ethic and integrity were core values that carried with him his entire life. He spent countless hours working the extensive property with gardening, lawn care, and acquired hands-on skills that served him well. He was driving the tractor at age 10. Golf was a passion from an early age and he was one of the great young talents at Riverside Country Club. He also loved experimenting with food and cooking for others. He spent time with mom learning the ropes of a great chef and never needed a recipe to create amazing dishes. He loved music and took to the piano naturally. Years of lessons and dedication payed off as he was accomplished at the ivory and enjoyed entertaining family and friends whenever there was a piano around. Other hobbies included poetry, water fowling and fishing. His years fishing at Strawberry for “Lunkers” with the family and the Thalman’s were the best of times and brought him great joy.

After graduating from Timpview High School in 1985, he attended BYU where he earned a BA in English Literature, and a Masters of Business Administration. Chris was very intelligent and thought at a level above most, but always was able to connect with everyone. In 1987, he married Lesa Carroll (later divorced) and had two amazing and beautiful girls, Jordan (Matt) and Brooke. These girls were the loves of his life and gave joy and meaning to everything he did. After his divorce he took a job in Ohio which limited considerably the time he had with his girls. This was heartbreaking for him but he worked hard to ensure he and his girls spent quality time together at every opportunity. He would plan amazing trips every year, from going to Manhattan for plays, eating at the finest restaurants and seeing all the great tourist sites, to time in Costa Rica running the zip line though the rain forest. These trips with his girls were precious to him and ones that he cherished dearly.

He was also a wonderful father to Michelle’s children, and adored his three grandchildren, Emmalisa, Gideon and Jaxon. He loved to read them stories and sing songs, and always enjoyed their outings to the Discovery Museum. They loved their “Grandpa Wags”.

His Business Acumen was second to none and provided him great success and opportunity in the business world. He was an Executive Vice President for a prominent Business Marketing firm in Ohio. He later founded his own Business Consulting Company and had success throughout his career. After several years in Ohio, he moved back to Salt Lake City and eventually met Michelle. She was a god send to Chris and he fell deeply in love with her. The support and companionship she offered him was everything to Chris. Most recently he was working with a SLC Customer Analytics firm as a Business Development Executive. Business was where Chris was at his best; connecting with his clients, creating meaningful solutions to grow their company, and sealing the deal time and time again.

Chris is survived by his daughters, Jordan Wagner (Matt) and Brooke Wagner; mother, Jean (Bill); fiancé, Michelle Pickering Reilly and her children, Jason Reilly (Jillian), Tiffani Schouten (Chad) and Colton Reilly; Michelle’s grandchildren, Emmalisa, Gideon and Jaxon; sisters, Linda Daley (Ron) and Jennifer King (Zac); and brother, Pat (Kristy). He was preceded in death by his father, John D. Wagner.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 26, 2018 at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. Friends may call from 9:30-10:50 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in
Eastlawn Memorial Hills. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com.