An answer to a recent inquiry.
Of course Bob Wagner is best remembered by shell collectors as the
senior editor and co-author of the STANDARD CATALOG OF SHELLS with
Tucker Abbott and also for maintaining a register of world size records
for 3000 marine species.

At the last meeting of the CenPenn Beachcombers I was fortunate to talk
with Fran Wagner, Bob's second wife who is a gifted artist and ceramic
muralist originally from California.  She provided me with some
biographical information and details on Bob's interests.

Through the years, Bob Wagner called many shell clubs 'home' and worked
hard for each in holding offices, making presentations and programs and
judging shows.  He served the Greater Miami Shell Club as judge and
created 30 shows over 22 years. The Philadelphia Shell Club claimed him
as a charter member and there he served as secretary/treasurer,
vice-president and president.  Of course, our CenPenn Beachcombers grew
from his knowledge.  As a member of AMU and COA he contributed articles
for their journals and newsletters.  He maintained a sizable collection
in Miami and collected throughout Florida, Bahamas and the Lower
Caribbean.

How did Bob come to reside in Central Pennsylvania from 1990 until his
sudden death in November 1992?  Since he was born in Hazelton, Pa and
was employed by Bell Telephone and Bell Labs for 40 years as a planning
engineer and the fact that he was a Mason for over 60 years explains his
wish to retire with Fran to Elizabethtown's Masonic Home.

Tucker Abbott said, "Bob was an indefatigable  worker with an ability to
handle massive details, so necessary in his conchological publications.
He corresponded with hundreds of people around the world, keeping
measurements of over 3000 species of marine shells.  All during his life
Bob kept abreast of modern technological developments and was constantly
suggesting new approaches to shell collection. On the day before his
death at 87, Bob was entering new size records sent in from Thailand."

I believe it is the hobby that keeps us lively.  Bob was a very hard
worker, but loved the work he did.  Thanks to American Conchologist,
vol.21,no.1 and the Elizabethtown Chronicle and Fran Wagner, who would
love to hear from her many old friends.

Al Wentzel
117 Spring Farm Circle
Carlisle, PA  17013