Rodney C. Magana went home to be with The Lord in the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday June 18, 2011 at the age of 55. Rod was born to Efren and Remedios Magana on April 9, 1956 in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines, and was the oldest of five children. Rod and his family would reside in Manila until moving to Bremerton in 1966. Rod would go on to graduate from Bremerton’s East High School in 1975.

Rod and his wife, Susie (Shoemaker), began dating in 1978 and were wed on April 17, 1982 in Bremerton. They lived in Hawthorne, Calif. for a brief time before moving to Oak Harbor in 1986, where they have since resided. Rodney and Susie had been married for 29 years before his passing. On Jan. 17, 2011 Rod and Susie renewed their vows in front of their sons Rory, and Kyle, and daughter in law Alyssa in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Rod was a man of many roles but he was a family man first. He was a dedicated son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He had a magnetic and charming personality, and a radiant smile that could light up the world. He was always laughing and joking around and was truly a big kid at heart. Rodney was very close to his family and loved the company of his many dear friends who were part of his life.

In the Oak Harbor community, many knew him as “Coach Rod.” Rodney played a very active role in his children’s lives as a Cub Scout leader and youth athletics coach. Rodney spent 10 years coaching with Oak Harbor Youth Football, eight years coaching Little League Baseball, and three years coaching Babe Ruth Baseball. He supported his boys during their high school and college wrestling, football, cross country, track and baseball careers. Rod was not only a mentor and coach to his own children, but he was a role model and father figure to many other young people in the community. Rod had several hobbies and interests outside of coaching including attending sporting events, fishing, crabbing, camping, traveling, and anything involving friends and family.

Rod leaves behind his wife Susan (Susie), son Rory (daughter in law Alyssa) of Federal Way, and son Kyle of Oak Harbor. He also leaves behind his sister Angie Stangler (husband Bob), sister Elaine Torres (husband Pete), brother Rey Magana (wife Myda), and sister Amy Kizziah (husband Tim). Rodney also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Rodney was preceded in death by his father Efren in January and his mother Remedios in May of this year.

Rodney was genuinely loved by his family and countless friends, and he will be deeply missed. Rodney will be remembered for the role he played in each of our lives, but also as the funny, kind, loving, happy, man that made all of our lives a little better when he was around. The Magana family would like to express many thanks to those who supported Rod and the rest of our family throughout his battle with pancreatic cancer.

Funeral Mass for Rodney Magana will be celebrated on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 11a.m. at St. Augustine ‘s Catholic Church, Oak Harbor with Rev. Jerry Kienzle as Celebrant. Rosary will be said at 10:20 a.m. on Thursday. Viewing will be held at Wallin Funeral Home, 1811 NE 16th Ave., Oak Harbor on Wednesday, from noon to 5 p.m. A reception will follow Mass at Wallin Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Friday, June 24, 12:30 p.m. at Miller-Woodlawn Cemetery, Bremerton. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, Oak Harbor.