"Pete was my dad's favorite mushroom-hunting partner! Love and condolences to all of you. Fondly, The Bogdan Family"
Peter James "Pete" Magas passed away peacefully at his home in Marquette, Michigan at the age of 79 on November 18th, 2021, following a long illness.
Pete was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 12th, 1942, the son of Greek immigrants, James and Constantina Dussias Magas. He enlisted in the Navy after high school, serving 4 years as a medical corpsman. Pete, ever the outdoorsman, moved to Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the late 60s. He attended Northern Michigan University as an English major before leading a storied career as a campus police officer, private detective, oil field worker, and his favorite job of all, school bus driver.
He moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Sandra Page, in her bookstore. After they married and returned to the Upper Peninsula they designed and built a Greek Revival farmhouse where they shared a wonderful life. Almost daily, Pete would look at Sandra lovingly and say "I sure am a lucky man".
Pete loved the outdoors, good bird dogs, Mattie, Emma, and Sheba, as well as opening day of trout season. He was fond of saying that fishing "had ruined his life".
Pete's gregarious nature and friendly spirit endeared him to many. Nearly everyone seemed to have a "Pete story". He had a wonderful sense of humor, was an expert storyteller, loved to razz friends, tell bawdy jokes and never shied away from a good debate. He loved to cook for friends, read, and to collect, trade and talk about shotguns and fly-fishing gear.
Pete is survived by his wife, Sandra Page, his sons James and John Magas (wife Kari) and their mother Ann Maslo, his stepchildren Kenneth (wife Elaine) (wife Elaine), Cindy Page and Kathy Page Blackmon, sisters Katherine Gallas, Christine Schreieck, grandchildren Demitri Magas, Damon Magas, Stella Magas and her mother Bridgette Wilson, step-grandchildren Justin Blackmon, Ryan Blackmon, Abigail Page and Madison Page, his niece Kim Veras (husband George) and their sons Alex and Chris.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Constantina Magas and his stepson, Markham Page.
The family thanks cherished friends who spent time and gave support to Pete and his family and to Dr. Thomas Huffman for his years of care and friendship,
A celebration of Pete's life will be held on Saturday, June 4th from 1p.m. until 4p.m. at the family residence. Friends who wish to send memorials may consider Peter White Public Library or support any beloved independent bookstore.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Pete's family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
"Pete was my dad's favorite mushroom-hunting partner! Love and condolences to all of you. Fondly, The Bogdan Family"
"Pete was a true custodian of good will, authenticity and spirit - it's an honor and pleasure to have met his friendship - sincere condolences to everyone who finds their world smaller in his absence"
"Heartfelt sympathy to Sandra and family. Pete was ?one of a kind.? Brad and I both have so many wonderful memories of him. He will be greatly missed, and how lucky were we to call him a friend. "
"Pete was a charming, soft spoken, funny man. He will be missed. ?. Prayers for his family "
"What a good man. He was always so kind and funny. I was lucky to know him through the coffee shop. He will be missed. "
"Pete gave a whole new meaning to ?laid back?. Glad we were able to see him at Kate Anderegg?s wedding. A good man. Bill Smith"