1933 – 2015

FARMINGTON — Lauriston P. Wagner, 82, of Colorado Springs, Colo., formerly of Wilton, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Nov. 5, in Farmington.

Lauriston was born in Wilton, on Aug. 2, 1933, a son to Wilfred and Tekla (Rodzen) Wagner. He grew up in Wilton and graduated from Wilton Academy in 1951. After graduation, Lauriston enrolled in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country for four years before joining the U.S. Air Force where he made his career with the military from 1957 to 1979. Lauriston was a decorated veteran and received three awards of the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, two awards of the AF Commendation Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, and the South East Asia Defense Campaign. Upon the completion of his service, he went on to receive his degree in optometrics from Colby Community College in Colby, Kan., in 1982. His career then went to serve the federal government in the U.S. civil service from 1983, retiring in 1995.

Lauriston enjoyed watching sports and was a talented artist as demonstrated through his love of painting. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed life the most when he was fishing and especially hunting.

Lauriston passed away while doing what he loved the most, hunting, in the beautiful hills of Maine while on his annual fall hunting trip with his dear friend, Robert Quinton. Lauriston experienced a major medical episode and the family wishes to sincerely thank Bob for everything he did to help Lauriston and for being with him in his final hour.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 45 years, Irene G. Wagner of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a daughter, Lisa J. (Jordan) Milne and her husband, Dr. Peter A. Milne, of Tucson, Ariz.; a grandson, Peter Jack Milne of Tucson, Ariz.; a sister, Beverly A. Collins and her husband, Keith, of Farmington; nephews, Stephen K. Collins, of Venice, Fla., and Scott C. Collins, of Gardiner.

Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting his memorial page at www.wilesrc.com.