Magnus A. Unflat

Magnus A. Unflat died peacefully on August 1 with his wife of 65 years, Eleanore, at his side. Magnus and Eleanore lovingly raised seven children with varying skills and interests, but with a solid foundation of the importance of being good to others and being charitable; their spouses share that belief: Stephen Unflat of Hawley, Pennsylvania; Linda Unflat and Bill Martin of Port Washington, New York; Allan and Jan Unflat of Bear, Delaware; Glenn and Noi Unflat, of Chiang Mai, Thailand; Laura Unflat and Stephen Honig of Newton, Massachusetts; and Brian and Katie Unflat of Portland, Oregon; Magnus and Eleanore’s eldest child, M. Michael Unflat, predeceased his parents. Magnus and Eleanore also enjoyed many grandchildren: Kerry Anne, Kristy Lynne, Lauren, Kenny, Jennifer, Danielle, Eric, Matt, Julie, Annamaria, Katerina, Matthew, Chloe, Eleanore and Jackson, and Great-Grandchildren Sophie, Ethan, Finley, Aubrey, Kaleb and Kalie. Magnus is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gunther and Margie Unflat of Hawley, Pennsylvania and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Matty and Lillian Matthews. Magnus was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 4, 1930. He entered the Air Force in 1951 and shortly after married the love of his life. Magnus and Eleanore (nee Matthews) were married in New York in 1951 and enjoyed their first years of marriage (and their first child) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Magnus was stationed. They returned to New York in 1954 after Magnus’ Honorable Discharge from the service and Magnus worked in the family business, U.M. Pressing (later named U.M. Energy) until he retired. During his many years in Glendale, New York, Magnus was very active in the community: in the Kiwanis Club, and St. Pancras’ Church and school. But Magnus’ biggest passion was Boy Scout Troop 383, where he was Scoutmaster for many years, mentoring untold numbers of young men, including his own sons, all of whom became Eagle Scouts. The Unflat house (and backyard) was a welcome place for many always and particularly Christmas Eve; even after Magnus and Eleanore moved to Florida, friends would still stop in for cheer and fondue. In 1990, Magnus and Eleanore moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida where Magnus kept busy with golf and gardening and various enrichment programs - such as learning Spanish - and often rewarded himself with a nap on the float in the pool at the end of the day, defying gravity. In 2006, without previously mentioning it to any of his children, Magnus finished coursework on-line to be awarded his Bachelor of Arts and Masters degrees. His children were all so proud of him, they celebrated with a surprise graduation party and insisted he wear a cap and gown. Celebrations of Magnus’ life will be private, but plentiful. Words of comfort - and especially Magnus stories - are always welcome. For those wishing to acknowledge Magnus’ life differently, please consider making a donation to Treasure Coast Hospice Houses, St. Lucie Hospice House, 5090 Dunn Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981; http://www.tchospice.org/giving/ where Magnus spent the last day of his life and died with dignity, a slight smile on his face and hair combed, as always.