David Wayne Magnusson, 72, passed away peacefully on Dec. 13, 2024 due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was diagnosed with the disease when he was almost 50 and patiently endured it for 22 years.
David was born on Nov. 20, 1952 in Huntington Park, California, to George Elbert and Marian Andrew Magnusson.
He was the oldest of four children and was raised in the South Bay area of southern California where he attended West Torrance High School (Class of 1970).
He attended Ricks College for a year and a half, then served as a missionary in Chile from 1972-74 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His fluency in Spanish would serve him well in future work and church assignments.
David graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s degree in history in 1976 and a Juris Doctor degree in 1979.
While he was a student at BYU, his parents devised a matchmaking plan to have a fruitcake delivered to him by Aliece Harms. She was returning home to Orem, Utah, after completing a mission in Los Angeles, where she had served in David’s home ward (Redondo Beach 2nd Ward) when his dad was the bishop.
David and Aliece married in the Provo Utah Temple on June 25, 1976. He considered marrying Aliece to be the greatest accomplishment of his life.
They had five children Matthew, Julina (Enrique Fernandez), Andrew (Michelle Lloyd), Jennifer (Zane Judkins), and Angela (Nickolas Guy). David was a kind and gentle husband and father.
They raised their family in Carpinteria, while David practiced real estate law at Haws, Record, Williford & Magnusson, an all-LDS firm established by E. Jerald (Jerry) Haws.
David took pride in being one of “Jerry’s boys,” known in the Santa Barbara and Ventura court systems for their integrity and competency. He thoroughly enjoyed friendships with all of his law partners who shared his values of making time for family and church service.
David could often be found reading in a chair, preparing a church talk or lesson in his den, or building something in the garage. He enjoyed planning memorable family vacations and helping his children make school projects.
David was a scriptorian and had filing cabinets full of numbered church articles and talks that he’d collected over the years. He loved modern day prophets and apostles and had a special affection for Joseph Smith.
He had an extensive library of books and collection of “Ensign” magazines, from which he could easily recall articles and details of church history. He also loved American history, military history, and airplanes.
David took great joy in serving in many church assignments including as the Carpinteria Ward bishop and the Santa Barbara stake president. He loved teaching, and was a thoughtful, wise, and inspired leader.
He was noted for his care in ministering to people individually. His talks and lessons were often filled with history heroes or supplemented with his own poems, handouts and dioramas.
David was pleasant and often had a twinkle in his eye with a ready quip on his tongue. He loved to share any knowledge or talents he had and gifted many homemade “Eastivities,” PVC-pipe marshmallow guns and bolos games.
He thoroughly enjoyed socializing and was eager to find connections with people. It seemed to his children that he knew everyone and everything.
David loved his family, extended family, and in-laws, showing an interest in their lives and seeking to keep them connected with frequent visits and newsletters.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years; children; grandchildren Ephraim, Seth, Hyrum, Neve and James; and siblings Scott (Kathleen), Karen (Stan) and Eric (Caralee). He is loved by so many.
Funeral services will be at 11 am. Saturday, Jan. 4 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 225 E. 200 N., Orem, Utah. Friends are invited to attend a viewing and to visit with the family from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service.
A live stream will be available at www.walkersanderson.com beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will be held immediately after at the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 N. 800 E., Orem.