October 16, 1954 – July 9, 2020
We are profoundly saddened to announce Ted’s unexpected passing on the evening of July 9, 2020.
Ted was predeceased by parents, Jona Kristin Magnusson and Sigursteinn Magnusson; mother-in-law Kay Tomchuk; and sister-in-law Marlene Block.
Ted will be lovingly remembered by wife Linda Tomchuk; siblings, David (Jean Merrell), Diane (Larry Adams), and Bryan (Amy Karlinsky); sister-in-law Cheryl Tomchuk; brother-in-law Wayne Block; and nieces and nephews Kellsie Block, Rachel Magnusson (Ulrich Nolting), Laura Magnusson, Erik Magnusson (Maria Godoy), Saul Magnusson and Anna Magnusson (Nikita Lysenko). Ted was a beloved cousin of the Johnson and Magnusson families. He enjoyed and maintained many friendships and good colleagues throughout his life.
For the past thirty years, Ted shared his love and life with Linda. They traveled frequently to Hawaii and Las Vegas. Their most recent trip to Las Vegas was to celebrate Ted’s 65th birthday.
Ted had a special bond with Linda’s sister, Cheryl. They spent time together connecting over a shared sense of humour and interest in music.
Ted was born on October 16, 1954 and like many who grew up in Magnussville, he was fiercely proud of his Icelandic Heritage. Ted attended elementary school in Hnausa and High School in Riverton. He hurled the discus to first place finishes in district High School competitions and was a formidable defenseman with the Riverton Lions hockey team. Ted later became certified as a hockey referee and pursued this role for several years. Ted enjoyed all sports, especially golf. Arizona golf trips with his buddies and his hole in one at Hecla were highlights.
Ted was a beloved uncle to Rachel, Laura, Erik, Saul, Anna, and Kellsie. During their early years, he was known as the “Fun Uncle” – he was never shy about getting on his hands and knees to play blocks or Lego and was always willing to carry them on his shoulders whenever they asked. Later, he became an important mentor and source of support. He was a generous patron of his nieces’ and nephews’ educational pursuits – he never missed an academic celebration or birthday – and he avidly shared his passions for music, golf, and travel. Ted especially loved live music. It was not unusual for Cheryl or one of his nieces and nephews to receive an invitation to a concert featuring the likes of Elton John or Garth Brooks. Sharing his passions was just one of the ways in which Ted’s generous spirit materialized in the lives of his nieces and nephews. From good-humored chats over the dinner table to gentle instruction on the golf course, they will always treasure their memories of Uncle Ted and miss him dearly.
After high school Ted became a certified engineering technologist and a journeyman carpenter. He worked in Calgary where he picked up the nickname “Plywood Ted” for his ability to single handedly deal with large pieces of plywood. Later on, he moved to Vancouver where he operated Magnusson Bros. Construction with his brother Bryan.
When Bryan moved to Iqaluit to teach, he called on Ted to help him build a house. Ted forgot to leave. He took a job in Iqaluit where he spent many years inspecting housing projects in remote communities. While doing this he acquired an impressive collection of Inuit carvings. When a building lot became available, Ted built his own house in Iqaluit and called upon his wannabe carpenter brothers for help. Ted had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the NFL that kept his Iqaluit buddies in awe with his consistently high place finishes in the yearly NFL pool, a tradition which continued for many years.
Ted spent the last twenty years at Concordia Hospital as a carpenter. He refused several promotions to “management”, preferring to be “hands on”. At Concordia Ted was well known by all the medical staff and admired for his skills and kind gentle ways.
Ted will be remembered as a man of great humility, strength and kindness. He was steadfast in his love of Linda and his family and he embodied the virtues of patience and integrity.
When you look at and enjoy the Magnusville Heritage Site, think of Ted. He spearheaded its design and construction. Almost 20 years later it is as straight and true as the day it was built.
Caring, kind and generous, Ted was the “gentle giant” of the Magnusson family.
A celebration to honor Ted’s life is planned for Saturday August 8 at 1:00 PM at the Magnussville Heritage site.
Due to current health orders we are currently restricted to 100 people for an outdoor event. This restriction may be relaxed somewhat before August 8.
If it is your intention to attend, please send an email to tedcelebrationoflife@gmail.com by August 1 indicating number planning to attend.
15 thoughts on “Theodore Magnus Jon Magnusson”
My Deepest sympathy to All the Family .
I have worked at Concordia for 16 years and I would like to say I have not met A nicer kinder man. Ted always had a smile and was willing to help in many was he could. it was a pleasure to know him, and talk with him any chance I could. my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Ron Bergen.
I have a ton of fond memories of Ted. Being his cousin and living in Winnipeg, we would spend our summers at Magnussville. When we there, Teddy and I were inseparable and would be exploring, swimming, hanging out at “The Minks” or driving go carts at Steffen’s. I think Teddy must have recognized me as a lonely boy from the city who needed a dog to cheer him up and his dog “Lowbed” became my summer dog. Ted’s kind and gentler side formed at a young age. Holly and I extend our deepest sympathies to the family, especially Linda, David, Diane, Bryan and their loved ones. He leaves a strong legacy of touching many peoples lives and quality workmanship. This time, 3 years ago, my wife Tracy and I went to Patreksfjordur in Iceland and visited the family homestead of Magnus Magnusson who emigrated to Canada in 1875. The only building still standing on the beautiful property that overlooks the fiord is a sheep barn. When I was there I placed three painted stones with the name of my mother Asta, one for Cheryl and one for Ryan under the threshold of the door. Next time I go, Lord willing, I will take a stone in memory for Theodore.
I have been friends with Ted “Teddy” for many years , from Pee Wee hockey right up the ranks to Senior hockey ,and we were part of a group of home boys that formed the Bullies Old Timers hockey team. We remained close after high school and ended up pursuing careers in the trades, once again connecting ,when Ted returned to Winnipeg from his time spent in Calgary. We shared a passion for weight lifting , and for many years were dedicated workout partners at Gold’s gym . We pushed/ encouraged /and spotted for each other tirelessly and developed strict routines . Those were quality times that Ted and I shared , lots of hard but rewarding workouts , lots of laughs ,outings and good times.
Ted went up to Iqaluit and was always welcome to stay with me on his vacation’s from up north . He was welcomed by my family , and was a respected friend to us all.
To Linda “ My thoughts are with you “
So I offer my sincere condolences to you and the Magnusson Family.
shared lots of outings and good times together ,
Linda,
Although we just met during this unexpected passing of your husband Ted, it has been a pleasure getting to know you.
We did not really know Ted except for the occasional hello and wave as we walked the bay, but we will miss seeing him coming and going from his truck or corvette.
We hope that the time and memories you had together will help you through this very difficult time.
Condolences to you and the family.
Tony and Maria (Neighbors on Meredith)
We are so saddened Linda by Teds passing. He was an amazing man. It was a pleasure to have spent visits with him while you both took time for moms visits with delicious treats. We were so lucky to have known him. His memory will live on.We wish we could help you thru such sadness He certainly will be missed.
There are no word’s Ted was my buddy anything I wanted in the I C U Ted made it happen for us. a man of many talent’s and always had a smile on his face .Ted will be missed . Linda and family just remember it’s never good by . It’s so long for now until we meet again Angel’s Watching.
Dear Linda,
It is with profound sadness upon hearing about Ted’s sudden passing. I worked at Concordia for 20 years, our paths almost crossed daily. There was always a “Hi Linda”, he never forget my name because of you. Often we spoke about retirement and you. When I told him that I was retiring, he said “ I’ll be right behind you” He truly had a great zest for life. He was always the most welcoming face in my day. He will be dearly missed. Please accept my sincerest condolences. God be with you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss I worked at Concordia with Ted he had a great sense of humor and amazing talent he could build anything He woll be greatly missed
Ted was one of the Concordia greats! It didn’t matter what area you worked, everyone was treated like family. So very sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
My heartfelt sympathies to my cousins at the loss of Theodore (Ted). He was a great fellow. Ran into him many times at Canadian Tire or the lumber store. He was always kind and friendly. My thoughts are with you Linda.
Marilyn Johnson
Phillip Irwin
Ted was my golfing partner for 10 years at Meadows, and the past year and a half when we moved over to Quarry Oaks. Every one of the several dozen guys in our golfing groups immediately commented on how “Ted was the nicest guy, and a pleasure to golf with”. I really enjoyed Ted’s several visits to Arizona to golf with me, and he made a lot of friends down there too. He was always in a great mood, even if we were losing our golf match… his frequent comment was … “we’ll beat these guys next time”. I know Ted was a wonderful husband to Linda, and will be really missed…. Ted was such a great person …. remember all your wonderful memories of the ‘good times’ with Ted…
So very sorry to hear of Teds passing. Sincere condolences to the family.
I remember Ted having a great sense of humour and always smiling.
I was very surprised and saddened to hear of Ted`s sudden passing. What a great guy!
We will miss your kind spirit, smiling face and positive attitude we have become so accustomed to seeing at Concordia Hospital every morning. Peace be with you and your family.
I am sorry to learn of Ted’s passing. In Iqaluit, we called him our, “stoic Icelandic friend,” a nickname he loved. I actually roomed in that house with him for a period between 1994-1995. We lost touch with the passing of the years. I was searching for him to let him know of another former Iqalumiuts upcoming 70th birthday and to see whether he would like to send a greeting. Godspeed, Ted. I know your passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved you.
Brian Carey
Quispamsis, New Brunswick
Iqaluit 1992-2002