RICHARD ALEC MAGUS

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RICHARD ALEC MAGUS With great sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved father Rick on July 9, 2006 at 57 years of age. Rick was born on February 26, 1949, the son of Iris and Mike Magus. He grew up in Winnipeg and after skipping a few grades, graduated from River East Collegiate in 1964. The following year he entered the University of Manitoba in pursuit of a career in entomology. Much to the relief of Manitoba's mosquito population, Rick's plans changed when he was lured away by a job with the federal government. Rick's career in the Federal Public Service spans 35 years. During this time he has touched many people and worked in many positions and locations. Rick started as a casual employee with the Unemployment Insurance Commission on August 16, 1971. He became a permanent employee by January 1, 1973 and was appointed Assistant Chief, Administrative Service on November 18, 1974. Rick transferred to Brandon on November 26, 1975 as Chief of Administrative Services. During his posting in Brandon, Rick served in a variety of capacities and locations including: Project Officer (1984-1985); Employment Market Analyst (1984); Acted as Manager of Brandon Canada Employment Centre numerous times (1990-1992). Rick was appointed Project Coordinator for the Government of Canada InfoCentres Project November 16, 1992. He also took on an Acting position as Manager, CEC Dauphin from November 7, 1994 to March 31, 1995. He was Operations Liaison Officer for Regional Headquarters Pathways from April 3, 1995 to March 29, 1996 and Pathways Coordinator from January 2, 1996 to March 26, 1997. He was appointed to his most recent position with the federal government as Manager, Aboriginal Affairs on April 1, 1996. In 1996, Rick conceived of the idea of improving access to government programs and services to Aboriginal people in Winnipeg by co-locating federal, provincial and municipal departments and agencies dealing with the Aboriginal community in one office. Within six months, the Aboriginal Single Window project, led by Rick, opened its doors on June 25, 1997 - a testament to Rick's ability as a negotiator and project champion. Rick has been recognized nationally, regionally and locally for this contribution and for his abilities to move the vision forward for the department and communities. Rick's efforts were recognized officially on December 7, 1998 when he received the Head of Public Service Award in Ottawa and again September 10, 1999 when he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by Governor General Roméo LeBlanc in Quebec City. Rick was the quintessential autodidact - he possessed a keen and roving intellect and could converse knowledgeably on virtually any subject, including books, music, guitar, film genres, Hollywood, science, nature and the lore of the sea. Rick was also a gifted photographer and he enjoyed collecting photographic equipment. He particularly enjoyed photographing nature and he loved camping and fishing. Rick always took great pride and pleasure in the accomplishments and enthusiasms of his children and their loved ones. We will deeply miss his sly sense of humour and his incredibly dry wit. Rick was predeceased by his 5 year old sister Doris and his parents. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Rich (Victoria Hinchcliff) of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Catlin, Brittany, Elizabeth Lea (Ed Cuddy), his grandson Declan Lea-Cuddy, and stepsons Kade Potosky (Karen) and Korbin Potosky (Paula McLeod), all of Winnipeg. The family would would like to express our sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses at CancerCare Manitoba who looked after him during his courageous battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rick's memory to CancerCare Manitoba. A memorial service in celebration of Rick's life will be held Thursday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler Ave. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM 220 Hespeler @ Henderson Hwy. 668-3151

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 12, 2006