Emil Magrin
Aug. 16, 1927-Dec. 4, 2011
Woodside, California

Emil Magrin received his Heavenly calling in Redwood City, CA after complications from a fall.

Emil was born in St. Louis, MO, and moved to San Francisco when he was 2 years old, and then to Rockaway Beach, now Pacifica, when he was age 6. He went to kindergarten in San Francisco to learn English, since he could only speak Italian. His father was a farmer, and Emil helped to raise artichokes, cabbage, sprouts, and peas. Emil graduated from Jefferson High School in Daly City 1945. He enlisted in the Merchant Marine, serving on ships that transported troops to the Philippines. He was on Leyte when the first Atom Bomb was dropped. After his discharge, he worked as a carpenter. He obtained a contractor?s license in 1952. That year he started driving racing cars (hardtops and stock cars). His father didn?t want him to drive racing cars, so he went under an assumed name, Emil Zola, so his father wouldn?t recognize his name in the newspapers. In 1959, he bought an airplane and got a pilot?s license. Over the years he owned four different types of airplanes and got a multi-engine rating. He moved to Woodside in 1968 and lived there the rest of his life. He retired in 1978.

During his life, Emil was a member of the San Mateo County Mounted Patrol, then the Lion?s Club, where he was named District Lion of the year. Later he joined the Redwood City Chapter of SIR. He was chosen to be SIR of the year for 2005. He joined the Redwood City Elks Club in 1985. Emil also loved golfing and bowling.

Emil is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Lou Ann Magrin, who helped bring him back to the Lord toward the end of his life. He is also survived by his children, Victoria Beninga (John) of Meadow Vista, CA, and Ron Magrin of Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii; his sister Mary Bistolfi (Pete) of Daly City; Grandchildren Kirsten and Caleb Beninga of Meadow Vista, CA; RJ Magrin of Mountain View, CA; and Heather and Robin Magrin of Woodside, CA. He is also survived by Lou Ann?s children Debbi Murray of North Highlands, CA; Dan Poulson (Cheryl); of San Jose, CA; and Bob Poulson of Santa Clara, CA; and Lou Ann?s seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A celebration of Emil?s life will be held on Saturday, December 10 at noon at the Redwood City Elks Lodge at 938 Wilmington Way. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation to the Redwood City Elks Lodge.