Richard Magnuson

Richard G. Magnuson, age 89, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2016, at his home in Wallace, Idaho, just a few short blocks from where he was born.  Always a boy from Wallace, he carried with him a deep love of his hometown and a wealth of knowledge and memories about all things related to the Silver Valley and its rich mining history.
Richard was born on April 5, 1927, the second of three sons to his parents, Harry and Mary Magnuson.  A member of the Greatest Generation, he grew up during the Great Depression, steeped in the work ethic of his parents and the joys of a small town boyhood.  Working at his Italian grandparents’ farm in Harrison for many summers alongside his brother and cousins was an experience that shaped his life and provided fodder for many dinner table stories.  Most of these stories involved his beloved grandfather, Nono.
Richard graduated from Wallace High School in 1944 and started college at the University of Idaho as a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.  His college career was interrupted by a stint in the U.S. Army, after which he moved back to Moscow to continue his education.
On July 7, 1947, his life changed forever when he caught the eye of a pretty girl from Mullan, Elsie Johnson, at his summer job at Hecla Mining Company.  He and Elsie married on September 10, 1950, and enjoyed nearly 66 years of “pure bliss”.
Richard graduated from the University of Idaho in 1951 with his law degree.  He returned to Wallace to practice law in the Tabor Building.  He was appointed Deputy Prosecutor under Bob Fanning in 1957, and was elected Shoshone County Prosecutor in 1960.
After over eighteen years in the Prosecutor’s office, Richard returned to private practice in 1977 in the Shoshone Building with his wife, Elsie, running the office.  In 1983, he began his tenure as District Judge of the First Judicial District, a position he held until his retirement in 1991.
Richard had a deep interest in and love of the history of the Silver Valley mining district.  In 1968, after a year researching old newspaper archives from the late 1800s, he wrote and published Coeur d’Alene Diary:  The First Ten Years of Hardrock Mining in North Idaho.  He delighted in educating anyone interested in mining history, and never failed to set the record straight if he came upon a historical inaccuracy.  Locals and strangers alike would seek him out for his encyclopedic knowledge of the area.  Until recently, most afternoons would find him in downtown Wallace, happily telling stories of days gone by.
Another consuming interest of Richard’s was the collecting of trade tokens, and in 1977, he published The Brunswick Token Story with Paul White.  He spent many happy hours in communication with other collectors, pursuing and chronicling his collection.
Richard’s other deep love was for his family, particularly his wife and true partner, Elsie.  He instilled in his children the values of honesty, integrity, determination, curiosity, and above all, humor.  He was very generous and enjoyed surprising his family with gifts, from milkshakes and comic books to jewelry and hundred dollar bills.
A member of Wallace Elks B.P.O.E #331 and the Wallace Gyros, Richard enjoyed many friendships that spanned decades and transcended age.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Richard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elsie, of Wallace; his son, Rick (Amy) Magnuson of Los Altos, CA; his daughter, Janet (John) Morse of Mercer Island, WA; and his daughter, Julie Magnuson, of Wallace, ID.  He is loved by his nine grandchildren:  Charles, Molly (Matt) Woodward, Max, and Natalie Magnuson, and Eric, Paul, Dave, Brad, and Emily Morse.  He is also survived by his brother, Bob Magnuson, of Spokane, WA, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mary Magnuson, and his brother, Harry F. Magnuson.
A memorial service is scheduled for 12:00 pm on Friday, July 22, at the Wallace Elks with a lunch reception to follow.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Richard’s life.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Wallace Elks (419 Cedar St., Wallace, ID  83873), the Wallace Public Library (415 River St., Wallace, ID  83873), or the charity of your choice.  Shoshone Funeral Service in Kellogg is entrusted with the final arrangements.  You are welcome to sign Richard’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.