Roland Magnuson

Roland “Rolly” August Magnuson died after a brief illness on January 21, 2012.
 
Mr. Magnuson was born in his parents’ home on December 10, 1921, the youngest son of Swedish immigrants.  He grew up in Burien, attending Highline High School and participating in Boy Scouts.  He studied electrical engineering at the University of Washington and received a BSEE in 1944.  Mr. Magnuson served as an officer in the Army during World War II and was stationed in Italy through 1946.  Mr. Magnuson met Effie Stine on a blind date and they were married in 1949.  Together they raised three sons and a daughter in Burien.  Mr. Magnuson enjoyed a successful engineering career at PACCAR where he became Chief Engineer and was awarded 27 design patents.  He enjoyed boating, tinkering with mechanical things, plumbing, fishing, hunting, camping, skiing and gardening.  He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and was never one to miss a party.  Mr. Magnuson’s family will remember him for his unwavering optimism and inquisitive mind.
 
Mr. Magnuson was preceded in death by his wife, Effie, his brother, John, and his sister, Elsie.  He is survived by his four children, Clark, Eric, Gail and Paul, and his five grandchildren, Kirsten, Gretchen, Skyler, Else and Terra.
 
A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Magnuson will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28 at Bonney-Watson on Capitol Hill at 1732 Broadway.