MARQUETTE, MI – 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, stepgrandchildren; 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 life will be held in the spring. 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.
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