Karl Ragnar Vaagen 2001 Halifax Chronicle Herald Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2001. >From the collection of Gwen Christie Karl Ragnar Vaagen, 89, Stillwater Lake, Halifax County, passed away Saturday, November 10, 2001, in the New Halifax Infirmary, QEII. Born in Gursteboten, Norway, he was the son of the late Anders Roskar and Kornelia Vaagen. Karl went to sea, as did many Norwegians, at the age of 13, fishing and freighting along the Norwegian coast. During the Second World War, he served his country in the Merchant Marine and survived the explosion of his ship off the coast of Newfoundland. He was sent to Lunenburg for his recovery and later met his wife and settled. For his wartime service, Norway awarded him two medals in 1979. He was employed by Karlsen & Company of Halifax and served as first mate on the Theta and the Martin Karlsen. During his time with Karlsen, he spent his time sealing in the north. Though he spent most of his life in Canada, Norway was always his home. He is survived by two daughters, Helen Sonja Malle and Marie Vaagen; grandchildren, Sonja Vaagen Malle and Stacy Vaagen Malle; sister, Anna Magrete Vaagen. He was predeceased by his wife, the former Monica Mary "Molly" Kennedy. Cremation has taken place. Memorial service 7 p.m. Wednesday in J.A. Snow Funeral Chapel, Windsor Street, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.