John Gotthold Magnus
November 27, 1936 – March 29, 2014
John Magnus, son of Henry and Helen Magnus, was born in Luseland, Saskatchewan where he grew up on the family farm. He was studying Law for his Masters Degree at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. As an international scholarship student he fondly recalled many occasions befriended by Judge Sarah Hughes and especially the time at her home when she was hastily called to swear in President Johnson. It was a unique experience for John to participate in the J.F. Kennedy Assassination trial as a friend of the court and he often reminisced about it. He was employed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Amerada Hess Oil Corporation and became their legal counsel for their Canadian office in Calgary, Alberta.
John met his wife Ethel at Banff International Christmas sponsored by Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. They were married in 1969 and John continued his legal practice in Calgary until 1988 when he retired to join his family on Salt Spring Island, BC. He is survived by his wife (Ethel, nee Johanson), four sons and one daughter: Jennifer Smith (Daryl), Nolan (Kate), Brad, Duncan (Haleh), and Chris. John was delighted by children and loved all his grandchildren: Timothy, Chelsey, Chloe, Lida, Lyla, and Heidi. He also leaves four brothers: Dave (Evelyn), Arnold, Ben, and Jim (Marilyn) and one sister: Miriam Jones (Jim). John was predeceased by Baby Brother Arnold, sister Elsie Laing (Will) and brother Vern (Dorothy). His fondest memories were both of his Law practice and his farming heritage. He is sadly missed as we recall the good times.
A celebration of life will be held on
Saturday, April 12.
Internment will be at 11:00 am at Central.
The service will be at 2:00 pm
at the United Church,
Salt Spring Island.