Shane Warren Magnussen (aka Mags)

In loving memory ~

With heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of our beloved son, father and friend, Shane Warren Magnussen (aka Mags), who passed away in his sleep in Port Alberni on April 26th, 2025, at 47 years of age.

Shane is survived by his cherished sons Marcus and Liam, parents Cheryl and Arnold, brothers Darren (Karrine) and Alex (Kelly), and sister Angel, including, co-parent Tanya Dittkowski (Andy) and former partner Kyrsten Olsen. Shane leaves a legacy of compassion, laughter, and countless memories that will forever remain in the hearts all who knew him.

Shane was born on a surprisingly, only partly cloudy day, in Tofino on March 8, 1978 and like most first born children, he completely changed the lives of his young parents forever. Arnie was so thrilled to be a father, that he took full advantage of the garden in front of the Tofino hospital. Presenting his new family with a freshly plucked spring bouquet of daffodils. Shane was Cheryl's Hunny Bunny, and he grew up with a boundless curiosity and passion for life, that he carried with him into his adult life.

Shane was a gifted, ticketed gas mechanic by trade, who started his career early with Ted and Kathy at the Petro-Can Gas Station in Ucluelet. Mentoring Shane, and treating him like family, he worked with them from around age twelve until his mid-twenties. He learned how to repair everything from cars, boats and heavy-duty machines. Shane was passionate about vehicles in all shapes and sizes, from the ones he worked on, to the ones he owned, like the Neon, Camaro 4x4, and trikes, and even model cars! Shane never hesitated to share his talent or expertise. But it wasn't just his professional skills that he shared, Shane was giving in every sense of the word. He never hesitated to offer his time and energy into making life better for those around him. He was a true light, to those who loved him and no matter what obstacle he had to overcome...and God knows he had many hurdles in this life, but they never diminished his spirit. He remained brave and bright, until the end.

Shane had a true entrepreneurial spirit, and after he left Petro-Can, he started his own garage. When his health prevented him from working as a mechanic, it didn't stop him from dreaming big! From venturing into buying and selling vintage video games, to auditioning and dreaming of bringing his ideas to Dragon's Den. Shane wanted to create things that made people's lives better. He was inspired by real life challenges that people faced and the place he grew up and loved. From the hilarious, 'shaving or trimming of the beard sink condom, to a Vancouver Island shaped air freshener and desiccant, for first responders. Which not only smelled nice, but would also help clear a windshield in emergency situations.

Shane was devoted to his loved ones. A loyal sibling and friend, who radiated with a spirit of humor, warmth and generosity. Never hesitating to give his time. He had an innate ability to make people feel seen, valued and appreciated. Always sharing himself and his positivity with every life he touched, but Shane's true passion and legacy, were his boys. Marcus and Liam were what really lit him up, and becoming a father was Shane's greatest joy.

Whether he was mushroom picking, riding three-wheelers (but, never a quad!), fishing with his boys, camping with friends or hunting with his dad, Shane's love of the outdoors reflected his passion for life and his appreciation for the world around him. Shane also never let his health and changing abilities take that passion away.

Shane grew up in Ucluelet, and although he never traveled too far from home, he never actually needed to. Even from a young age, Shane always knew what fed his soul. He was anchored to Vancouver Island and passionate about "living on the edge" of the west coast. Why go anywhere else, when everything he needed was within arm's reach. He knew, life was a gift, and he modeled that in the way he lived. Not many people can truly say they lived by their motto, but Shane did, honestly and unapologetically. He actively lived each day to the fullest and didn't waste it trying to be anything other than who he was. He was honest, apologized for his mistakes and always worked at being a better man. He knew who he was and had no time to waste on drama or being disingenuousness. He was sincere about being present and ardent about spending time with those he loved. Shane lived a simple life, that was nuanced with meaningful connections near and far. He was a steadfast beacon, to those he cared about. A light that stretched out into the distance to seek, cultivate and inspire lifelong relationships and memories. Shane's light was a gift that kept us all linked, not just to him, but to each other. Whether in person, on the phone or through social media, he was a safe harbor that reminded, home was never too far away.

Shane's family would like to honor and thank his extensive medical support team, which includes the Port Alberni Paramedics, Dialysis and ICU Teams at NRGH, WCGH Medical Staff, Home-Care Nursing, Brain Injury Support Program and the countless others, we may have missed. Your involvement, care and support, allowed him to live life as best he could, on his own terms. We are forever grateful, as was Shane.

While we mourn Shane, it would be more important to him that we celebrate his life-a life remarkable in its simplicity, but profound in its depth. His strength, grace, and kindness will forever inspire those who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at 1pm on June 14, 2025, at the Best Western Barclay in Port Alberni, where friends and family will gather to share memories and honor Shane's life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Canada in honor of Shane's generous spirit.

Rest in peace, Shane.

You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live through your children and the memories you gifted us with.

May your journey into the next chapter be as brilliant as the life you lived.