Mark Magner

April 21, 1949 - November 2, 2023

Mark J. Magner, thirdgeneration San Franciscan, died peacefully on the second of November, 2023, in the rolling hills of Sonoma County; surrounded by his son, Lee Magner; daughterin-law, Erin Cuff; and wife, Wendy Hawkins.

Mark was born April 21, 1949 - the eldest of two boys - to Toby and Louise Magner, Junior. Mark spent his youth being doted over by his close by extended family members, learning to speak Hebrew at Congregation Emanu-El, and driving stickshift on the hills of San Francisco. In high school, Mark excelled as the Editor of the Washington High School newspaper. Interviews with influential San Franciscans, including a sit-down with Bill Graham, and long-lasting friendships with fellow editors of the newspaper, led Mark to Eugene, Ore., where he enrolled in the University’s School of Journalism.

A passion for social justice led Mark to pursue a degree from the University of Southern California’s School of Social Work, where he met his wife, Wendy Hawkins. After their only son, Lee, was born, Mark helped veterans living with mental disabilities in San Jose, Calif. Annual Summer family trips to the base of the Sierras became a tradition as a young family. Mark routinely led group howls at the moon and cold dips in the Tuolumne River. In 1998, Mark retired from Veterans Affairs after a debilitating stroke at the age of 49.

Mark’s silent struggle with disability at a young age was not to be overshadowed by his love of travel, language, and a desire to give back. Extended trips to Mexico and Israel allowed for deep dives into language immersion programs. While at home, he taught English and job skills to Latino immigrants and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. He was a supporter of the arts; loving film, music, and daily crosswords. Ever ready with a pun, Mark was reliably the funniest person in the room; his knack for the goofy even absurd - is something to always be remembered by all.

Mark was predeceased by his father and mother, Toby and Louise (Cohn) Magner, Junior; his brother, Grant Magner; and his grandparents, Toby and Zara Magner, Senior.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the home of Lee Magner and Erin Cuff, 5170 Pressley Rd., Santa Rosa, Calif. 95404. The Celebration will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by refreshments. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Bay Area Black Leaders at bayareablackleaders.org