Thanks to Anna Kwak for making this beautiful video for the occasion. You can also view the video by clicking here.
Scott asked me to say a few words at his retirement party. I ended up not saying any of the things that I planned. Instead I talked about Scott’s poker face that Sam Perdomo (Scott's former assistant principal) referred to in his remarks before mine.
When I was handed the microphone, I explained that we were going on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When Sam talked about Scott’s poker face, I suddenly got a revelation on how we were going to fund our mission. We could make a visit to Las Vegas to play a little poker. Then we’d have enough money to fund our mission! I was kidding, of course. Everyone laughed.
These are some of the notes I planned on saying about Scott:
If I could use one word to describe Scott, it would be humble. He is not one to brag about his accomplishments. I would like to brag a little about him now.
He has many lives.
#1 He is a son of God. He knows who he is and he has a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He as served many ways in our church. He was a missionary in Mexico for two years as a 19 year old young man. He has served as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, Cub master, Bishop to our local congregation, and Stake President advising the local leadership in Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Temple City, and Rosemead areas.
#2 He is a family man. He is a great husband, father, son, and sibling.
#3 He is an educator. He has touched countless lives of students, athletes, and co-workers.
This is what others said about him in a book his daughters put together for his 60th birthday:
1. Craig (brother-in-law): What do I think about when I think of Scott Magnusson? I think of someone who is quiet, witty, and always willing to help. Scott doesn’t dominate the conversation but when he speaks it is usually very witty and insightful. He is also willing to help whenever he is around. It is always a pleasure to have him visit with his family.
2. A fellow administrator from Temple City School District: I enjoyed problem solving with you as fellow administrators and was impressed by your dry sense of humor and the fact that your interests and decisions were always based on what was best for the students, faculty and staff under your charge. You were always positive and upbeat as well. I also enjoyed serving on several WASC teams together and keeping in touch over the years.
3. From a member of our church congregation: President Magnusson has influenced me in small and big ways. I remember when we first moved into the ward, he was the Gospel Doctrine Teacher. Every time I attended his class, I noticed and made a mental note of a few things. He always taught from the manual. He always was respectful and eager for his class to participate. He always turned to the scriptures to answer questions. He always had a visual aid. He always shared his testimony. What great things to remember when it became my turn to teach!
4. From Kathleen (wife): …As I have read through the birthday wishes in this book, it is great to know that others recognize what I have known all along. And that is you are an amazing person. You are a man of integrity, a teacher, a leader, humorous in your own way, and you possess a strong testimony of Jesus Christ.
Now here we are 38 years after our first birthday celebration together. It is great to be married to your best friend. I love the man I married and I’m glad that we can go through this journey called life together. I look forward to spending the rest of eternity with you.
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