Thomas Kenneth Wagner

November 24, 1943 - March 7, 2022

What an amazing ride it was. Tom Wagner, age 78, unexpectedly passed away March 7, 2022, in Ft. Myers, Florida. He was affectionately known as TW or Captain Tom. Loving husband and soulmate of Daphne Wagner (MacPhail).

Tom was born on Wright-Patterson Airforce Base in Dayton, Ohio to Kenneth and Catherine Wagner (now deceased) one of three Siblings. From his hometown Toledo, Ohio to his life in SW Florida, he loved his family, his friends, his country, and the great state of Florida. He cheered enthusiastically for the Miami Heat, the Tampa Bay Bucs, the Boston Red Sox, and NASCAR. His adventures on his many motorcycles had him riding through the road to the sun, Montana, the highlands of Nova Scotia & always to Bike Week in Daytona. The sea beckoned him as a commercial fisherman & USCG Captain sailing in Florida & Bahamas. His business success was admirable through hard work, integrity, and the importance of being prudent.

Tom’s strength, stories and love are survived by his son, Michael of California; cousins, Cindy Thurston (Jim) of Maine, Phillip  Holst (Carlene) of Michigan, and George Hockmuth of Ohio; niece, Kim Gren of Florida & her sister, Michelle Wagner of Ohio; great nieces, Alex & Eva; great nephew, Jake and great great niece, Blake of Florida. He was adored by his Canadian MacPhail Clan, mother-in-law, Marilyn MacPhail of Prince Edward Island; brothers-in-law, Neil (Karen) of Hamilton, Woody & Ralph of Banff, Alberta, and Duane (Donna) of Palm Beach, Florida; niece, Molly & nephew, Fred of Banff, Alberta; nephews, Charles (Samantha) of Waterdown and Andrew of Hamilton; nephew, Neil & niece, Nicole, of North Palm Beach; as well as great nieces, Rowan & Isla, and great nephew, Fletcher of Waterdown.

Tom was predeceased by his brother, Gary.

His legacy will be that he lived heartily & with a soul that sought to do right by others.

Respecting Tom’s final wishes, there will be no formal services. His ashes will be interred at Argyle Shore Cemetery, Prince Edward Island, Canada in the Summer of 2022, where he will be FOREVER BY THE SEA.

Family & friends will honor Tom’s life from 2:00 PM till 4:00 PM, Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Palm Island Club House, 9490 Palm Island Circle, North Fort Myers, FL 33903.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Mark Nottingham Mar 10, 2022 at 6:43 pm

    R.I.P my friend, You will be missed so much by all who love you. Until we meet up again on the other side enjoy riding your Harley in the skies.

  2. Duane MacPhail Mar 11, 2022 at 7:43 am

    Great man.Love from us all . MacPhail family Florida

  3. Douglas and Nancy Mar 11, 2022 at 9:06 am

    Doug and I send our most sincere condolences to Daphne and the Wagner and MacPhail families . We only met Tom one time at Marilyn’s house and from that one time we found him to be a really great guy. He was interesting and funny and good company.

  4. Joan Snapp (MacPhail) Mar 11, 2022 at 11:23 am

    A life well lived by a man well loved 🥰

  5. Samantha and Charles Mar 11, 2022 at 12:57 pm

    Sending love and warm hugs from Charles, Samantha, Rowan,Isla,Fletcher. Wish we could of spend more time with you Uncle Tom. I will never forget your smile and twinkle in your eye.

  6. Steven MacPhail Mar 11, 2022 at 1:16 pm

    Heartfelt condolences from Prince Edward Island , me and my kids always enjoyed when Tom visited , especially the shooting range , RIP Tom 🙂

  7. karen macphail Mar 11, 2022 at 1:41 pm

    always fun times when we were together we will miss you tom love always karen neil and andrew

  8. Jeff karbula Mar 11, 2022 at 2:02 pm

    2001. I had a very bad day. Got upset at work and told them. I’m done with you it’s time for me to move on. I stop for a beer at brooks. As I sat there looking across the street I see this little guy with a bunch of dump trucks sitting around. What can you loose. I met tw. He says. You looking for work? I say maybe. What do you pay. He told me a wage. I said are you kidding. I was getting payed way more than that on the job I just quit. Good old tw says. Well you don’t work there anymore. Started work for him the next day. Got lost with his truck the first day. He fired me. Came back the next morning. He hired me again. Many years later and making a lot of money with my friend, my fishing buddy and one of best working relationships I ever had. Save some room on the back of that fishing boat me. We’ll have a few beers and catch some fish.

  9. Earla Moore Mar 11, 2022 at 4:20 pm

    Please accept my sincere and loving sympathy, Daphne , to all your dear family and to all Toms family also, at this most difficult time. He was a wonderful man, and you carry his love and love of life , in your life and the wonderful tribute you wrote for him. I send my love and prayers to help buoy you along. I hope to see you again when you are home on the Island again. Love Earla.

  10. Leann Mar 12, 2022 at 12:24 am

    Daphne, What a beautiful Tribute to Tom .
    Our heart breaks for you during this difficult time. The road ahead is not going to be easy, , but always remember, your
    not walking it alone
    . I promise , he is watching over you. Your soul mate .
    We feel very privileged to have so many wonderful memories of all
    Our adventures together ..
    P.S. if Tom is taking a siesta when you need him , we are always here for you .
    Will always picture Tom in Paradise
    With that Cheeseburger .and bright green Speedo .
    (Not many can get away with that)
    Love , hugs and Prayers sent up from both of us
    Glenn and LeAnn Martin

  11. Jacques Wensvoort. Mar 12, 2022 at 8:46 am

    Sorry for your loss Daphne. We had many great times together when we visited Florida and will always remember the beautiful boat rides, delicious meals and the wonderful hospitality. Condolences from Corrine as well. Hope you are managing in this difficult time and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  12. Robin Rouleau Brassard Mar 12, 2022 at 10:02 am

    Mark and I will hold our memories of Tom close to our heart.
    Our prayers are with Daphne.
    Lots of love,
    Mark and Robin

  13. Jim Etts Mar 12, 2022 at 11:32 am

    R.I.P. TW. My mom Jayns Etts. Loved you and Daphne so much. She had fond memories of your adventures with you 💕 lol. See you on the other side my friend

  14. Mike Coppola Mar 12, 2022 at 11:50 am

    There are so many memories of Tom. From hanging out next door, lunch trips on the boat, meeting up in Las Vegas, hundreds of fishing trips, Super Bowl parties, and unbelievably load music in our living room. He will be missed very much.

    Mike and Barb Coppola

  15. Kathy Bates Mar 12, 2022 at 3:30 pm

    Tom was a kind and pleasant neighbor and friend, always taking time to say good morning and chat for a few minutes about just about anything from the condition of the lawn to the condition of the country, offering help if needed. He will be missed by all who knew him. My sincerest sympathy for your loss Daphne

  16. Kornelia & Maikell from Germany Mar 12, 2022 at 4:28 pm

    Tom…

    Although we only met a few times, we will always remember you – wherever you may be now. Our thoughts are with Daphne. We wish you all the strength you need now.

    Kornelia & Maikell (Michael) from Germany

  17. Rose & Tony Laquidara Mar 12, 2022 at 10:31 pm

    Daphne, We’re so sorry for your loss. Praying the love of friends brings you comfort, and the Love of God brings you peace. Sending Prayers & Love

  18. John Gascon Mar 13, 2022 at 9:25 am

    Daphne I was crushed when I was told of Tommys passing! I just spent some time with him. My family and I send our love and prayers! Yes it was a ride I am happy to have been a part of for 50 plus years! Knowing TW was a experience I would never change from airplanes to boats to motorcycles to dump trucks, he definitely was a influence in my life as well ,he taught me a lot about business with his honesty, being upfront, strong ethics and how to forgive and forget Indiscretion of others. He was a good person with a big heart. He was always there when I needed to talk and we enjoyed each other’s conversation.He definitely was a part of the Gascon family. Im so glad he met you,he was so happy he found his soulmate. Yes he will be missed by all those who knew him ! We are told of the hope of the Resurrection and I believe in that and I wait and look forward to that day! Until then my Brother, FRIEND REST IN PEACE ! I’ll Think Of You and smile! Sending our Love, The Gascon Family. “Big John”

  19. Michael Pineau Mar 13, 2022 at 9:46 am

    From your “Cupid” my heart is breaking for you Daphane. Praying you find comfort in memories of your great adventures with Tom and wow what a “ride”. I will be forever grateful being apart of your first encounter.
    Day 1 when you met an incredible guy
    who became your soulmate and who would touch so many lives ; and the two of you collectively; generous, positive, gracious and creating long lasting friendship with so many of us. Know your cherished and loved and we are all saddened by your loss. Should you need just a hug or a chat you have a listening ear and arms to give you warmth with your sorrow. Carry on and Tom will be guiding you through all your next adventures bringing your love and compassion to all who knew him to carry on your memories.
    We love you, Michael & Kendall

  20. Lester MacDonald Mar 15, 2022 at 5:00 pm

    Condolences to the family on behalf of my mother’s side of the family, Sadie Wagner(deceased). I have found a connection from 23 and me to an individual in your family and my condolences to the MacPhail family on PEI where I am from and live.

  21. Dawn Capozzo-Keiling Mar 17, 2022 at 2:18 pm

    I’m so sad to learn of Tom passing. Many of my memories from my mid 20’s through my late 40’s were with Tom and Daphne. When I first found, what was to be my Marital 1st rental home, and found that the back-yard bordered yours and Daphne’s was such a joy knowing that you were already friends with family. We all had great times, such stories you would tell. I always enjoyed speaking with you and talking about the water and boating, Brought me back to my childhood. The Bahamas will never be thought of the same after we all took that Boat Trip for Thanksgiving and Your Birthday – Singing the Beatles song to you “when I’m 64” No matter the length of time it was that I saw you, ALWAYS, you had a hug and a huge smile to greet me. My heart goes out to you Daphne, how blessed you are to have had your soulmate to navigate much of life with, I know how much you loved Tom. .
    God Bless you Sending Prayers & Love, Dawn

  22. Darryl Read Mar 25, 2022 at 3:58 pm

    When we first met, to Tom I was a number – 607 for Swiftline. Our connection there grew into a friendship, a brotherhood, and even an employee. I am privileged to have had our friendship and to say it has lasted 3 decades or more. When I think of you now, and as I always did, your Big Smile is what I would see in my head – that along with our conversations will be sadly missed. One other thing that I always enjoyed were the Orchids you grew at home. Oh how they brightened up the entrance-way and your face when you would show and talk about them to Donna and I . Those were wonderful memories. Love and Prayers to you Daphne Darryl & Donna Read #607

  23. James Lorin Etts Apr 18, 2022 at 11:04 am

    R.I.P Tommy. You and Daphne were my mom’s favorite friends. Loved you tremendously.. see you on the other side brother. Say hi to my mom for when you see her. ❤ 💙

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