Amherst, MA – On June 20^th 2016 Howard Stanley Wagner, Jr., “Howie”, at the age of 74, passed away peacefully with his family by his side.  Despite being a man of few words, Howie was full of surprises and defying assumptions set by those around him, especially when it came to doctors who would try to diagnose him (some may label it as suborn).  An outsider may look at him and think he was a simple farmer who rarely spoke or showed emotion, a hard read, which is the furthest from the truth.  He spent that time listening and retaining information… if you were one of the lucky ones he’d take the time to share his thoughts or throw a dig at you, after all that’s how a Wagner shows affection.  He was famous for his “Oh well!” saying – he realized life’s too short to dwell on the things you can’t change.  Not to mention there’s plenty of negatives in the world already, why add more?  Instead he would motivate you to think outside the box, and work around the obstacles.   

Howie’s life in Amherst began shortly after his parents, “Big Howie” and “Tiny”, were displaced out of the Quabbin.  They eventually purchased the farm on North East Street in Amherst where Howie grew up and proceeded to be an influential part of the operations which exist today.  As a young man Howie balanced his time with milking dairy cows, riding horses, logging in the woods with honest man power, horse power and a tractor.  As his children grew so did the farm.  Many have seen the Wagner Wood trucks on the streets of Massachusetts, more than likely you would have also seen Howie as the co-pilot.  He understood he wasn’t able to work like he did in his younger years, but he could share his knowledge with the youngsters.  Many bonds were created during those hours on the road – you weren’t just an employee of Wagner Wood, you became family. 

Howie leaves behind his brothers Gene and Joie Wagner, sister Carol Mae Wagner, daughter Andrea Wagner Trudeau, sons Joseph (Hank) and James (Buzzy) Wagner, grandchildren Kaitiee, Conor, Kendal, Jake, Justin, and Julia.  In addition to numerous cousins, nieces, and chosen family members.  In lieu of donations, or flowers, Howie would want you to spend those extra moments with your family, whomever you choose to include in that definition, two legged or four.  He would also ask for you to remember money comes and goes, it’s not a necessity for true happiness – honesty, love, forgiveness, and humor are.  He may have never carried a black American express card, but he had his black Dunkin Donut VIP card!      

Per Howie’s request, no formalized services will occur.  A memorial BBQ will take place at a later date. Memorial register at