Obituary

Wayne Thomas Hagerman was born on November 4, 1943, in Petersburg, Alaska, the son of Edward and Lillian Hagerman. He graduated from Petersburg High School in 1962 and went on to earn his optometry degree from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.

In 1967, at a Petersburg friend's wedding, Wayne met and fell in love with Gloria Kaelin. Shortly thereafter, her father, a United Methodist minister, married them in Mount Lake Terrace, Washington, and they enjoyed almost 57 years together. The first year and a half they spent in Juneau, where Wayne enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War. He left to serve as a captain in the Medical Service Corps, practicing as an optometrist in Korea. After he was discharged Wayne accepted a position with Group Health in Seattle, Washington, and they moved to Redmond, where their daughter and two sons were born.

In a pivotal moment of his career, Wayne purchased an optometric practice in Sitka, Alaska, in 1983. He loved his work, flying into remote logging camps on small planes in the early years and for many years routinely traveling to Petersburg and Wrangell for clinics that allowed him to care for his patients, many of whom he considered friends. Wayne's office in Sitka grew to include his son Blake, an optician who continues to run the practice.

Wayne found joy in his family, the community of Sitka, and its golf course – he went there "to hit a few balls" on sunny days and when it was raining, snowing, sleeting, or hailing. While an avid golfer, Wayne was a sports enthusiast who also enjoyed racquetball and handball. And he took great pride in his lawn.

After fighting a courageous battle with cancer, Wayne passed away on Wednesday, October 24, at his home in Lacey, Washington. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria; daughter Heather Stein of Eugene, Oregon; and sons Grant and Blake Hagerman of Sitka, Alaska.

He will be remembered for his gentle spirit and sincere kindness. His friendly wave and bright smile will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at Harrigan Centennial Hall on December 21 from 1 – 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sitka United Methodist Church Wayne T. Hagerman Fund.