A memorial service was held Tuesday for a local political and community activist.
Al Wagner died in his sleep more than a week ago.
He served as Chief of Staff for former Democratic Assemblyman Dean Florez and also as a political mentor of Senator Michael Rubio.
Wagner was 56 years old.
A memorial service was held at Valley Baptist Church where Wagner was a much loved member.
"He was a man who cared deeply about the forgotten in our neighborhoods, and he gave his life to serving other people. And, he lived Christ's Commandment really to love one another," said Andrae Gonzales, Trustee with the Bakersfield City School Board.
"He urged me to run for office. He was my oak tree," said Senator Michael Rubio.
Along State Senator Michael Rubio, Congressman Kevin McCarthy also spoke at Wagner's funeral service.
