Born in Esterhazy to Steffa and Peter Maga, Stan was the seventh child in a family of 11 siblings.  They all lived in a tiny two-bedroom house near Yarbo, Sask. with the boys often sleeping in a granary during the warm summer months.  He always loved the area and lived here all of his life.

Stan attended St. Elizabeth and Kingsland Country Schools, but left at a young age to help out on the family farm.  He delivered milk and worked on a thrashing crew, before beginning his job as a grader operator for the Rural Municipality of Spy Hill.  He always found it to be a rewarding experience, with families along the roads frequently inviting him over for visits and meals.  He loved to play softball and to dance, often acting as the caller at square dances, and teaching dance classes in the community.

After a short time, Stan moved into Esterhazy to operate the Central Hotel Café for a few years before getting hired by Utah Construction in 1958, as they became involved with the development of the first mine in the area, K-1 Potash Plant.  He later joined International Minerals and Chemicals (IMC), holding several senior positions within the company until his retirement in 1996 as K-2 Mill Manager.

With the move into the house he built on Bordon Drive, Stan joined Esterhazy Volunteer Fire Department, the start of a great many years of community service.  He served with the fire department for almost four decades, and was instrumental in bringing CPR mannequins to town, as well as building a new fire hall.  Stan was awarded the Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General in recognition of the time he served as a firefighter for the community.

Stan married the love of his life, Helen Schwitzer in 1965; together raising two children, son Nevin, and daughter Ninette.  They traveled as often as they could, including favorite trips to the Holy Land, Vatican, Alaska, Caribbean, Disneyland, plus all across Canada and the United States.

Shortly after they were married, the couple purchased, dismantled, and then built the Potashville Drive-In Theater just East of Esterhazy.  They ran this business for over ten years which is fondly remembered by family, friends, local residents and dozens of neighboring communities, who all frequented the establishment and enjoyed their hospitality.

As a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, Stan held a variety of council positions, including that of Grand Knight.  In addition, he served as chairperson and executive member over several years on Our Lady of Victories Parish Council.  Stan joined the Kaposvar Historical Society when the Church was originally closed, always believing the site to be worth preserving for generations to come.  Over the years, he served as Director and Vice-President, while devoting an infinite number of hours to annual Pilgrimages, parades, food booths, site maintenance, and fundraising.  He also enjoyed working on the Camp O’Neil committee, planning annual picnics and looking after the lakeside facilities.

In 1975, Stan moved his family to the country, building a new home overlooking his beloved Kaposvar Valley on the outskirts of town. He continued his many charitable works and countless hours of service to the community all of his life, culminating in Stan being named Citizen of the Year.

One of his favorites times of the year was Christmas.  He would set up dozens of straw bales behind his life-sized nativity scene, place a shiny red nose on the first reindeer of the team pulling Santa’s sleigh, and adorn his home with hundreds of lights and decorations.  Stan organized the annual Twinkle Tours of community, always ensuring that the Hospital and Care Home residents were not forgotten by the carolers.

But perhaps Stan will always be most well-known for dressing up as Jolly Ol’Saint Nick for well over sixty years.  He would visit the homes of family and friends accommodating all sorts of special requests, in between his regular bookings around town at the Legion, hospital, seniors’ complexes, Scout Hall, Schools, Churches, PCS and various special events – including the annual IMC Children’s Christmas Parties.

The Stan Maga household will be forever known or its hospitality and friendship.  The door was always open, the food plentiful, and the laughs abundant.  Stan relished family get-togethers, playing cards with friends, camping, fishing and hunting, funning around after Helen, being with his loved ones, helping others, and making a difference in so many lives.

There was always an enormous smile on his face, a kind and gentle way about him which somehow still commanded respect.  Through his health struggles, he drew strength from his never-wavering faith and the support of his loved ones.

Stan was elated when granddaughters, Alyx Paige and Erika Layne came into his life, and thrilled once more when grandson, Mitch Stanley, named after Grandpa, was born.  His grandchildren were Stan’s absolute pride and joy, and he always looked forward to spending time with them.

Upon retirement, he was finally able to dedicate more of his time to Stan’s Landscaping, mowing grass, rototilling gardens, leveling yards, planting sod, and pushing snow around his acreage.   Stan was always happies when he was outside, riding on his John Deere tractor, at home on the farm.

If family and friends so desire, donations may be made in honor of Stan’s many years of dedicated service to: Kaposvar Historical Site Society, P.O. Box 371, Esterhazy, Sask. S0A 0X0.

FAMILY LEGACY

Please note that the names in italics have predeceased Stan, while the remaining are surviving family members.

Parents, Peter and Steffa Maga; In-Laws, Joseph and Margaret Schwitzer; Wife, Helen Maga; Children and Grandchildren; Nevin Maga (Nancy Case) and Alyx Maga and Erika Maga; Ninette Maga (Brad MacNeil) and Mitch Stanley Maga; Siblings: Mary Tuck, Peter Maga (Alice), Nellie Herperger (Albert), Charlie Maga (Rose), Francis Zich (George), Georgina Warner (Don), Josie Miller (Jerry), Eddie Maga (Francis / Vicky), Margie Fenwick (Wayne), Stella Boreen (Arlen); In-Laws: Raymond Schwitzer (Erma), Beatrice Schick (Ed), Violet Bohay (Alex), Allen Schwitzer (Lauretta), Ralph Schwitzer, Rosemarie Jacobson (Gordon) as well as numerous Nephews, Nieces, Cousins and Godchildren.

Prayers for Stan Maga were held on Jan.3, 2018, followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial on Jan. 4, 2018.  Both services at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Esterhazy were presided over by Father Andrew Pawlowicz. After the Funeral Mass, an Interment took place at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, also in Esterhazy.

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