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KENNETH J. MAGURA (KEN)
Born: Dec 20, 1953
Date of Passing: Apr 29, 2022
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KENNETH J. MAGURA
December 20, 1953 – April 29, 2022
"Forever and ever until death do us part."
Words spoken with boundless love and commitment 42 years ago have now come to pass.
On April 29, 2022, the love of my life surrendered his private battle with cancer. Childhood sweethearts from opposite sides of the track, we connected and were inseparable. I leaned academics and Ken athletics.
A natural born athlete, Ken excelled in every sport he played, from high school triple jump, hockey, fastball, to curling. He and his Winnipeg Colonels teammates will be inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame this May.
Ken was the most selfless, loyal, loving person one could hope for in a soul mate. He entered a Masters Program in Sociology when I was accepted to medical school so we could study together. He then gave up a career and decided he needed to be actively involved in caring for our two amazing children, Lindsay (Matt) and Tyler (Pari). He told me he wanted to help each of them be the best person they could possibly be. He felt this was best achieved by devoting time with them and leading by example.
Ken's commitment to all three of us was of Mount Everest grandeur. In the four years and 134 games Tyler played for Harvard Hockey, Ken only missed one game. Despite having no musical background and being lovingly teased about supervising violin practices with a questionable ear for pitch, he watched Lindsay become an accomplished violinist. He was so very proud when she completed her fellowship in Oncology from Duke University, a skill she used to help him navigate care against a formidable foe. Not something one plans for nor wishes.
As for me, he opened his mind and heart to explore areas often foreign to him. Together we set out and travelled the world. We explored over 40 countries and embarked on many trekking adventures from the Camino in Spain to the Scottish Highlands, walking from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
He learned to speak Spanish with me, first by classroom instruction, then by annual trips to Valencia, Spain---a big leap for a 60 year old non-academic person. Spain became our second home. His final gift was building a generational home in the mountains of North Carolina for his children and four precious grandchildren (Amelia, Avery, Emma and Theo). He was determined to provide a refuge for the evolving challenges associated with climate change. The truth be known, he actually built it for me to have an inspiring setting to fulfill my passion for writing.
Ken listened to me talk about Shakespearean sonnets and the use of couplets. Toward the end of his battle, he asked me to write a poem and use this couplet: "My treasure chest is full. I am truly good to go." That was Ken... deceptively simple but intelligent and introspective beyond his years.
DISCANZA EN PAZ
With all my love and respect
Connie
Ken will be laid to rest at a later date in our hometown of Beausejour, Manitoba, Canada.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lustgarten Foundation: Pancreatic Cancer Research in Ken's honour.
Everyone is welcome to follow my journey through my website lifesjourneythroughpoetry.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2022
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Connie, I'm so sorry to hear about Ken's passing. I heard from Carol and so close after Barry's passing as well. Very sad. Reach out to Carol for my contact info. Update yourself with Sobering's website in BJ some recent passings of people you knew. Again, my sympathies and take care! Fred Rumak Calgary - Posted by: Fred P. Rumak (Friend) on: May 26, 2022
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We met as part of Team Manitoba Baseball. Shared an apartment for our last two years in college. We had an absolutely wonderful time at the U of W. Our Friday afternoon bowling sessions were legendary. At the age of 19 Ken already had met the girl of his dreams and knew exactly how he wanted to spend his life. Ken had a wonderful sense of humour and a mature sense of how he envisioned spending his life. Kudos buddy on a life well lived. - Posted by: Ray Mutcheson (College Roommate ) on: May 16, 2022
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So very sorry for your loss, hold close memories of all the good times. - Posted by: rosemarie winnicki (fellow student at BCI way back) on: May 16, 2022
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To the Magura Families: We are sorry for your great loss of Ken. May your treasured memories of him remain as blessings to you. John & Georgina (Schiller) Klassen Quebec City, QC - Posted by: Georgina Klassen (Former classmate of the late Gordon) on: May 12, 2022
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Connie, just heard about Ken’s passing. I am in shock. I have not seen you and Ken for years but I remember you reached out to me when Val died. - Posted by: Ken Harder (Played golf with Ken at Elmhurst when he and Connie lived in Manitoba. Further was a teammate of his) on: May 08, 2022
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My sincere condolences to Connie and her family. - Posted by: Jocelyn Greenwood (Business) on: May 08, 2022
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Connie....so terribly sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I remember you both fondly from your days at the Vic. What a beautiful tribute you wrote...thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Take care, June (bug) and Rene Kaptein - Posted by: June Kaptein (Old friend from Victoria Hospital ) on: May 07, 2022
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Dear Magura Family, Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. You may not remember me, but I am the son of Lance and Laverne Roberts, of Winnipeg, who I believe you initially met through the Suzuki program. I was saddened this morning to hear of Ken’s passing, who I remember as a selfless and very kind man, from my childhood memories of spending time at your family home in Winnipeg with Tyler. I am happy to see that Ken’s dedication to Lindsay and Tyler has clearly paid off in the successes they have achieved in their lives and careers. Ken’s passing especially hit home as we lost both of my parents to cancer in 2018 and 2019, with my Mom also being a victim of pancreatic cancer. I am now a Director of Pancreatic Cancer Canada and we are close partners with Lustgarten. All this to say, please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of assistance or support in any way, or if any of you simply need somebody to talk to. Take care, Maguras. - Posted by: Jason Roberts (Friend of the family from years ago) on: May 07, 2022
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Deepest sympathies to Connie & Family and the sudden passing of Ken. Have not seen Ken in many years since he left Beausejour but still remember him like yesterday. - Posted by: Lori Stelmaschuk (Beger) (cousin) on: May 07, 2022
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We are saddened to hear of Ken’s passing... we recall his passion for his son Tyler, who played hockey with our son Kevin back in the 90’s in Southdale... not surprised that Tyler continued to play competitively in later life. We also recall Ken’s quiet and reserved nature and his intelligence, all of which we experienced in our conversations with him. Cancer is such an insidious disease that can bring down the strongest people and this is so apparent in Ken’s case, even with two medical doctors in his immediate family in his corner. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Connie and the entire Magura family. - Posted by: Bill & Careyn Head (“Hockey” friends from back in the 90’s) on: May 07, 2022