JOSEPH MARY MAGRO

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JOSEPH MARY MAGRO, P.Eng. June 11, 1927 - January 25, 2005 It is with deep sadness we announce the death of Joseph Mary Magro, 78, of Qawra, Malta after a valiant five year battle with pancreatic cancer. Joseph died at St. Luke's Hospital, Malta with his devoted wife Catherine and friend Father Joseph Caruso by his side. Mr. Magro is predeceased by his first wife Hildegard Muhlbauer; his brothers, Abel John, Ignatius and sister Karmena. He is survived by his sisters, Kolina and Evelyn; his nieces, Mary, Carmen and Merriam; and nephews, Joe, Leno and Anton of Malta. Mr. Magro was a devoted and loving father to his three children, Leonard Magro of London, England, Dr. Karen Magro of Winnipeg and Dr. Cynthia Magro of Columbus, OH. His loss will be immeasurable. Joseph was born in the historic village of Qrendi, Malta on June 11, 1927. He immigrated to Canada from Malta shortly after the Second World War. Mr. Magro was part of a unique group of young Maltese immigrants who successfully pursued higher education and a new life after the war in Canada, the U.S., England and Australia. He was one of the first naval dock yard apprentices from Malta to become a professional engineer in Canada. Mr. Magro worked as a research engineer on jet design in Parry Sound, ON before settling in Winnipeg. As the chief electrical and mechanical engineer, and later Mechanical Superintendent, Mr. Magro led many innovative projects and research designs in food processing and refrigeration during his 35 year career at Canada Packers in St. Boniface. After his retirement, he continued to work as a consultant engineer. Mr. Magro's consulting work took him to England, Libya and Tunisia. Joseph also travelled extensively throughout South Africa, Great Britain, Europe, the United States and Canada. This past summer, he made a pilgrimage to Lourdes. He spent many summers enjoying his beautiful cottage and garden at Victoria Beach, MB. Joseph took pride in his extensive knowledge of Maltese history, and would enjoy taking friends from all corners of the world on tours of the Maltese archipelago. A self-taught scholar, Joseph was widely read in the spiritual and philosophical aspects of life. He was particularly inspired by the works of the great Catholic theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Mr. Magro was truly a lifelong learner who persevered and continued to work on new inventions throughout his lengthy illness. He demonstrated remarkable hope and courage to the end. Funeral services were held at St. Francis Church on January 27 in Qawra, Malta. A Mass was held on January 28 at St. Ignatius Church in Winnipeg to honour his memory. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. Requiescat in Pace. Amen.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2005