Magnus Noreni Jorgenson
The most adored man in our life passed away suddenly on January 17, 2013 at the age of 87. He was our hero, our mentor and our very best friend. Magnus Noreni Jorgenson was born on December 26, 1925 in Leirosen, Leifjord, Norway in the family home. He immigrated to Canada with his parents, Martin & Nikka at the young age of 3. Magnus served in the Canadian Navy, which he joined at the age of 17. A veteran who cherished freedom, kindness & the enhancement of all good people. In 1947 he travelled out to the West Coast, fell in love with the Pacific Ocean and topography, and met the love of his life. He married Jacqueline in 1951.
Magnus is survived by his wife of 61+ years, Jacqueline; 4 children: Jana (Brian), Dale, Jill, and Dean; 4 grandchildren: Aaron, Amber (Travers), Sheena & Dawson; one great-grandchild, Dante; 3 brothers: Arnold (Shelby), Alvin (Bernice), Kenneth (Joan); one loving sister, Joan (Rick); one adoring aunt, Taunta Ellen; many adored cousins, nieces & nephews, one sister-in-law, Sheila (Bill) and countless treasured friends. Predeceased by his parents, baby brother, John; brother, Norris; loving sister, Elen; nephew, Marty and many loved aunties & uncles.
To know Magnus was to be loved by him. A generous, beautiful spirit who lives in the hearts of all of us who knew and loved him. He was a great hunter & fisherman, an advanced skier with his children & buddies and an avid golfer. His adored grandchildren were raised to appreciate nature & life through his wonderful, magical adventures. He loved music and dancing and one of his countless pieces of wisdom was “Have you hugged your kids today?”
He was a man of many talents. Magnus was a detailed craftsman and built many homes. His masterpiece was in British Pacific Properties in West Vancouver where countless family, friends & strangers enjoyed the works of his labour, the magnificent 180 degree view of the city, the gracious hospitality that always included laughter, singing & dancing and his classic Rye & 7 at his custom-built bar. His favourite memories were at the beautiful get-away home he built with his sons at Mount Baker; referred to as “the cabin.” Countless celebrations were thoroughly enjoyed there with family & friends including the ringing in of the “Millenium.”
Magnus worked in management in the BC Lumber Industry for Crown Zellerbach for most of his career, where he made lifelong friendships with many of his colleagues.
A celebration of Magnus’s life will take place, February 16, 2013, 1-4pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1630 Wellington Road E, Nanaimo, BC. No flowers by request. Donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of BC, #600-890 W. Pender St, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1J9. 1-604-662-3240, info@parkinson.bc.ca.