Through the looking glass

A mirror engraved by the mother of a former client who passed away hangs on the wall in Dale Wagner’s law office. Despite his client’s death, Wagner finalized the case and secured funds for the mother to purchase a gravestone for her son. PHOTO BY ADAM STEWART | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS Within one year, Dale Wagner left a 16-year career working for the Office of the Attorney General in Bellingham, cashed in his retirement, started his own legal practice in Stanwood, gave his daughter in marriage and dealt with a death in the family.

The combination of stress took its toll on Wagner’s health.

It was during this period in 2005 when he was visiting with friends and family at a local restaurant after a long day.

The Camano Island resident was exhausted.

“I had this overwhelming dizziness,” he said. “I was struggling, fighting for everything in my being. Then it stopped.”

He remembers blackness.

Wagner wasn’t breathing; his heart had stopped.

His wife, Lynda, nudged her husband; thinking he had fallen asleep. She immediately knew something was wrong.

Doug Anderson, a lifelong friend and part-time Camano Island resident, aided by a local fireman also eating at the restaurant, took charge of the situation by pulling Wagner’s lifeless body to the floor and performing CPR until medics arrived.

Successfully resuscitated, Wagner recalls staring up at his friend.

“Doug told me this was a hell of a way to get out of paying the bill,” he said.

A series of tests concluded that Wagner had suffered from a vasovagal response. Essentially, his body shut down.

“It was embarrassing to say the least,” said Wagner.

Years later, the embarrassment has worn off. Now, Wagner uses the episode as inspiration in his daily actions.

“You’re always a breath away, a heartbeat away,” he said. “No one is promised tomorrow. Do your best, work hard and treat people right.”

The words have guided Wagner as a husband, father of two children, grandfather of four and attorney celebrating five years with his own practice on Sunday.

From its humble oneroom office beginnings, the Law Office of Dale Wagner in Stanwood now employs a staff of seven at a new location on 271st Street NW. Specializing in workers’ compensation and social security disability, Wagner’s vision to make a difference in people’s lives has been gratifying and rewarding, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

Working around piles of files in a limited space while forgoing a salary the first few years paid off for the new business owner.

It was a scary transition leaving the comfort of the Attorney General’s office, said Wagner. The support from lawyers in the area through referrals and words of encouragement reassured Wagner to continue.

Surrounding himself with caring staff members who share similar goals also helped build Wagner’s practice.

“We have a great crew,” he said. “It’s been a wild ride.”

Taking risks has always been a part of Wagner’s life. He married Lynda after high school and began working graveyard shifts at Boeing after attending Shoreline Community College.

Late one night punching in parts, the 20-year-old Wagner realized he wanted a different path.

“I remember the exact moment. I was so tired from standing on the concrete floor for hours,” he said. “I thought to myself, I only have 45 more years of this to go.”

He and Lynda moved east so Wagner could attend Washington State University. He graduated in 1976 with a degree in police science, the title for criminal justice at the time. He worked briefly for the Walla Walla Police Department before working security with the Hanford Patrol and for Westinghouse.

Once again, he longed for change in routine. Returning from a business trip, Wagner called his wife from a pay phone at the airport and described his aspirations to attend law school.

She was on board.

Wagner fell into the role of “Mr. Mom,” attending to his school-age children, Brian and Jessica, as Lynda worked full-time. He juggled family life with law school and graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1989.

The family moved to Camano Island later that year before moving to Ferndale, only to return to the Elger Bay area where his grandparents settled to in the early 1900s.

“I never could have, or would have wanted to do all of this without my family’s support,” said Wagner. “I’ve been so blessed.”

As he reflects on the twist and turns leading to Sunday’s anniversary, he has no regrets. He left a comfortable position to achieve new goals, something Wagner has plenty of experience with.

He enjoys the opportunity to choose his clients and see a case through.

“When someone says, ‘thank you,’ it’s gratifying in any line of work,” said Wagner. “When you are working for people who have been hurt, it’s especially rewarding.”

Given the circumstances he lived through that fateful evening five years ago, he knows what it means to give, not only receive, thanks.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.