Royal Stapleton Magnus was born in Helena, Montana on January 16, 1939 to a working class family. A few years later because of divorce, Royal moved with his mother to Walla Walla, Washington. While his mother worked, Royal lived with Great Aunt Alice Barrow and she became a great influence in his life. His family moved a few more times. When Royal finished high school in Tacoma, he joined the Navy in 1957 and became a hospital corpsman, serving with the Marines and then on a diesel submarine.
Eight years later, he was chosen for Officer Candidate School and became a Navy officer. While stationed in Hawaii, he married Frances Ann Bouvette and they welcomed a son, Gregory Scott Magnus on January 16, 1971 born in Newport, Rhode Island. The Navy life involved many moves. Ann and Greg lived in Guam while Royal was Commanding Officer of USS Tacoma, a patrol gun boat. During that time Royal and his crew during a fierce storm at sea, rescued another Navy ship whose engines were flooded with storm water and got them safely to port. This earned him The Bronze Star.
As the years passed, Royal and Ann parted ways. Following many more Navy adventures, Royal was Engineering Officer of Cruiser Destroyer Group 5 in San Diego. While there he met and married Marcia Moudree. Royal retired in 1984 as a Commander in the US Navy. He then obtained a masters and later a doctorate degree in organizational psychology. He and Marcia were blessed with Jessica Lynn Magnus in 1987 and Zane Gregory Magnus in 1991.
Royal with two others founded El Cajon CASA, an organization dedicated to substance abuse prevention in the eastern suburb of San Diego called El Cajon. After raising their family, Royal and Marcia returned to beautiful Montana in 2015.
Royal was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Beatrice Magnus, father Edward Nels Magnus, brothers Elmer, Ed, and Don, and sister Lucille. He is survived by sisters Birdie and Vivian, children Greg, Zane, Jessica, son-in-law Rommel Yuan, and granddaughter Iris Yuan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Among his lessons were a love of the water and any vessel that floats on it, especially ones that sail on it. All who knew him know to bring a life jacket when near the water, and to have a flashlight by every door of the house, and in one pocket at all times.
He will be remembered as a sailor, a pilot, a wrestler, a relentless joke teller, a friend to those needing a second chance, a lover of hospitality, and giver of a thousand life lessons that often mirrored Solomon’s Proverbs.
“The single most important lesson I can teach you is that Jesus loves you and died for your sins. The second most important lesson is to learn how to clearly, calmly communicate with others in a respectful way.”
“You are never more wrong than when you’re wrong at the top of your voice.”
“If you can’t explain your thoughts without swearing, it’s a sign of a weak vocabulary.”
“Don’t ask me what a word means, look it up in the dictionary. While you’re there, look up the word above it and the word below it.”
“There’s an R! There’s an R! There’s an R! It says celebrate! Not celibate!”
“…And that’s how the Baby Ruth bar makes me think of all the good God has done in my life.”
“Your attitude affects your altitude.”
“Question authority; don’t challenge it. That’s the only reason I didn’t retire as an admiral. I would have had a way better pension.”
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 16, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 1, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday July 1, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 16, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 1, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday July 1, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Tere says
Marsha, I’m so sorry for your loss. Enjoying coffee with you and that bunch of old fellas was always the highlight of my day. You’re in our prayers…
Rosemary NMI Pezzuto says
Mush, I am so sorry to hear about Royal. So many memories– your wedding where I as you maid of honor, discussions at the house. our trip with the kids to you place on the lake. the kids, and so much more. Love you so much. MIss you too. Roey
john ilgenfritz says
Marsha and Zane,
Condolences to you and other members of Royal’s family and friends on his passing. It is evident from his obit. that Royal has had an eventful and meaningful life. We salute his service to country and community.
We will hold you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Cathy Williams-Rash says
Dear Marsha-I met Royal once and he left such an impression! What a gentleman. I’m so sorry for your loss.
So happy you have family to share the memories.
Ps. I so enjoyed the two piano quartet we played.
Nora says
Marcia,
I’m so sorry to learn of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Virginia says
Marcia
Very sorry for your loss.
Pam Lambott says
Thinking of you and yours with deepest sympathy, Marcia. So hard to lose those close to our hearts! Take care and may memories of your days together be a comfort to you now and through the days ahead.
FONDA HIBBARD says
Marcia, so sorry for your loss. Hopefully remembering his joyful ways positive attitude will bring you a smile. You are in our prayers.
Nancy Vick Egeland says
Marcia, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Joseph A. Patton says
Marcia and Family:
I was proud to have served under Royal when he was Commanding Officer of the USS Tacoma (PG-92).
I would sail again with him anytime, anyplace, anywhere.
Joseph A. Patton
Michele says
Marcia, prayers for you & your family!
Diane L. Johnson says
Dear Marcia,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I read his obituary and realized he must have been a man of substance and love. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Diane Frueh (Johnson)
Rocheen Andrews says
Dearest Marcia & Family,
This is one of those times where there are few words to express our deep sadness. You and the family are in our prayers always but especially during this difficult time. We have so many funny memories with Royal! Big Daddy lived his dash in life with style and purpose. We know he’s standing watch over all his loved ones. Hugs to all of you.
Rocheen & Tony Andrews & Family
Dewey ‘Steve’ Hall says
Marcia, Sally thought highly of you folks. She spoke of you and the college days often. Though she is gone I still remember her stories and memories. It was nice that I got to meet you. Sorry for the loss of Royal.
Dale McMillan says
Royal Magnus was my executive officer aboard the U.S.S Oldendorf DD-972. I can remember when he would come up to the bridge smoking a very smelly cigar just to see if he could make someone on watch sea sick. It was an honor to serve with him aboard the greatest destroyer in the fleet. Fair winds and following seas shipmate rest in peace we have the watch.
Ann Leonovich says
Marcia and Sweet Royal Family,
I’m so sorry for all that Royal will be exceptionally missed by all. I’d like to think that Royal has just changed his address to one in Heaven where a special place is prepared for him by his Savior. I’m sure he’s in the thick of things there. It was a privilege and joy to know Royal and Marcia. Royal was a very gifted storyteller and had even more unique sayings. Royal was greatly loved and is greatly missed. He is truly irreplaceable.
Lorraine (Jules) Galbreth says
Marcia and family,
Jules and I are so sorry for your loss. We really enjoyed being with you guys at the McMorris reunions. Missed you not being there the last time. Will miss not seeing you guys in Charleston in September. Be blessed and know that we are thinking about you and praying for you and your family.
Jules and Lorraine Galbreth