In Memory of Ken Magura
IN MEMORIAM
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KEN MAGURA
December 20, 1953 – April 29, 2022
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Two years of separation
Left me so sad and depressed;
But coincidentals of recent
Now make total sense.
Your presence made known,
How grateful I am
That your persistent messaging
Finally clicked in.
No need for memory---
Past and present do co-exist.
With enlightenment and love,
Connie
​
IN MEMORIAM
​
KEN MAGURA
December 20, 1953 – April 29, 2022
A year ago today, my world passed away…
Oceans rolled back with seismic force
Hummingbirds silenced their wings
Spring foliage withered from the trees
Dormant volcanoes huffed and puffed
All clocks suspended time…
A precious person, my love, my soulmate
Was summoned this day to heaven’s gate
Dear Ken,
I wait patiently for word you are alright
So one day we may have our perfect life reunite
​
With enduring love,
Connie
​
Ken J. Magura
December 20, 1953 - April 29, 2022
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“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 4 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 4 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.
DESCANSA 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 honor.
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Share my journey through my "Forever and Ever" poems.