December 17, 1949 - February 27, 2023
In loving memory ~
Ronald Anton Magnuson, born in Quesnel, B.C., passed away at Vernon Jubilee Hospital after experiencing deteriorating health for a number of years.
Ron is lovingly missed by his wife Kirtlye, older brother Lew, younger sister Token, and sister-in-law Marney. He is predeceased by his parents, Anton (Tony) and Pearl Magnuson.
Ron was raised in Quesnel. He excelled at sports and was on ice skates at age 3. Ron worked hard to make the hockey team every season. He was a fast and savvy right winger and helped his teams to score. He also enjoyed bicycling throughout his life. As a teenager, Ron and a friend rode from Quesnel to Vancouver on single-speed bikes. He loved swimming and would often swim across 10 Mile Lake. His photo was published in the Vernon newspaper for swimming in Lake Okanagan as late as October. As a young adult, Ron took up tennis and played in many tournaments in the U.S. and Canada. He was a member of the Tennis Professionals Association and a certified coach. He taught tennis in the U.S. as well as Vancouver, Kamloops, and Quesnel.
Ron worked in construction as a carpenter, both in the States and Canada, and enjoyed woodworking until recently.
Ron had an energetic spirit and a good sense of humour. He looked at life in a simple, honest way. He had a strong work ethic.
Ron protected and rescued wildlife at the grassroots level for many years. He felt a strong bond with sick and injured animals, as he faced his own physical challenges. His family cats were among his best friends.
Ron was supportive of poor and marginalized people, recognizing their struggles.
While he was at home on an ice rink and a tennis court, as he matured, and in the end, Ron looked for values beyond the physical, being in stillness and listening for God.
If you would like to honour Ron's memory, a donation can be sent to the BC Wildlife Park: https://www.bcwildlife.org/animalwelfare.htm
