> 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