Glen Wagers

I was born (July 16, 1930) and raised in Salem, Oregon with one brother who is 13 months older than me. I spent some time in Alaska in the Army, after basic training at Fort Ord, California. In Fairbanks, I built a house and saw much of the north land. Then I went to Klamath Falls, Oregon, where I went to school on the GI Bill. I took an Art course in Illustration & Design. After I graduated with a 4.0 GPA, I went to Seattle, Washington where I am now. I retired from KOMO-TV as Art Director in 1992 after 24 years of service.

The highlight of my career at KOMO-TV, was when I received three Emmy awards for set designs. One for designing the news set, and two for special kids shows. Later on, after I retired, I received the prestigious Governors’ Award for distinguished service in the television broadcast industry.

My son and his wife live here in Seattle. My daughter and son-in-law live in Orlando, Florida. They have a married daughter, and a son who graduated from the University of Georgia. After my wife died (as a result of a ruptured brain aneurysm), I met Sandi when we were both working at KOMO-TV in 1979 and have been together ever since.

In September, 1994, I got a severe headache which turned out to be a brain aneurysm that was leaking. I had elective surgery on December 28, 1994 to have the aneurysm repaired. Something went wrong and I was in a coma for over 9 months. I still haven’t been able to walk and my speech has been impaired.

I started collecting hippos in about 1969. My first hippo was a large plaster one painted with gold and black highlights. It is very heavy. I estimate I now have over 3,000 hippos. I have at least 50 favorite hippos including figurines, toys, plush and antiques. I especially like salt & pepper shakers and cookie jars. I buy many hippos via eBay, the Salvation Army, Goodwill and antique shows. Friends and relatives are a great source, too!

[added by editor july 30, 2002]

Here is a picture of Glen and Sandi at the 2001 Hippo Odyssey in Orlando.
They had just been crowned the King & Queen of the Hippolotofus.