Basil Pershing Wagner 2003 Halifax Chronicle Herald Basil Pershing Wagner, 85, Hemford, died Saturday, June 7, 2003, in South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born at New Canada, he was a son of the late Alton and Elva (Sarty) Wagner. He worked on a farm in New Canada when he was younger and in 1944 purchased a store in Hemford, which he ran for 27 years and then drove a school bus for 15 years, all the while working at Christmas trees, which he did most of his life. For 40 years he sold monuments. He was a past member of the Christmas Tree Association; past president of the Bus Drivers Union and past president of the New Germany District Suburban Hockey Legue. He was a member of Hemford Fire Department and purchased their first fire truck. As a Masonic Lodge member he was raised August 10, 1945, in Hillcrest Lodge, New Germany. He was Past Master of Hillcrest; Past District Deputy Grand Master and Past Grand Pursuivant of Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia; Past Grand Master of The 3rd. Vail of The Grand Chapter and Past High Priest of LaHave Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. He received his 50 year Jewel in 1995 and the 55 year bar in 2002. He is survived by his wife, the former Iris Julia Wile; and son, Garnet Basil, both of Hemford; brothers, Glen, New Glasgow; Richard, Berwick; sister, Alice, Sudbury. He was predeceased by his brothers, Moyle, Lowell ,Maurice; sisters, Pearl, Olive, Lorna, Florence. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Langille'sFuneral Home, New Germany, with visiting 7-9 p.m. today. Funeral service to be held 2 p.m. Tuesday in Emmanuel United Church, Hemford, Rev. Nancy Price officiating. Burial in Hemford Cemetery, Hemford. Donations may be made to Hillcrest Masonic Lodge, New Germany, New Germany and Area Medical Centre or a charity of choice.