Romulo Fernandez Magsino
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Romulo Fernandez Magsino with his family by his side on November 25, 2022 at 81 years of age. Romulo will be lovingly remembered by his surviving family: spouse Patria (Leah) Enverga Magsino, son Romulo Magsino, Jr. (Michelle), daughter Dr. Tricia Magsino Barnabé (Norman), daughter Mabelle Magsino (Alan), grandchildren Marissa, Alianna, Chelsea, Maya, Nina, Alexander, Matias and Maileia, and his sister Ellen Lacandula. He is predeceased by father Melecio, mother Isabela, brother Brigadier General Florencio Magsino, and sister Dr. Luningning Hernandez.
Dean Emeritus at the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Romulo Magsino, O.M. (B.A., B.Sc. Ed/Luzonian, M.Ed/Sydney, M.A. Ed., PhD./Wisconsin) was the first Filipino-Canadian to become the Dean of Education at a major university in Canada. Educated on three continents and a Rotary International scholar, Dr. Magsino arrived in Canada in 1971 and moved to Winnipeg in 1988. He had a lifelong commitment to excellence in higher education, and demonstrated leadership within the Filipino community, which has raised awareness of the important role of immigrants in the cultural diversity of Manitoba. He was an expert in the areas of multiculturalism, immigration, and intercultural education. He was a prolific scholar and a recognized authority in education, having authored and edited nine books and monographs; published more than 70 articles in various books and journals; authored approximately 80 papers which were presented at international, national, regional, provincial and district conferences; and authored over 50 papers which were presented at seminars, workshops, and lectures. His scholarship evolved over time, but he had a consistent preoccupation with diversity, democracy, multiculturalism, and later on, globalization and cosmopolitanism. In 2006, Dr. Magsino received the Pamana ng Pilipino Award from Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. This award is a Presidential Award conferred on overseas Filipinos who have brought the country honour and recognition.
In 2008, Dr. Magsino was inducted into the Order of Manitoba, as an educator and leader in the Filipino-Canadian Community. He was awarded the Golden Jubilee Award (2002) and Diamond Jubilee Award (2012) by the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. He served as president of the associations for Multicultural Education in Newfoundland and Manitoba, vice-president of the United Council of Filipino Associations in Canada and chair of the Manitoba Ethno-Cultural Advisory Council. He was instrumental in the development of the $2.3 million Philippine-Canadian Centre of Manitoba and served as its first president. Some of his countless commitments to community service included being a member of the Board of Directors of the Winnipeg Foundation and the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation, as well as Deputy Commander in Canada for the Order of the Knights of Rizal. Dr. Magsino was referred to by his colleagues as “a fine scholar, a community leader, and a caring institutional leader who exemplified the ideal collegial system and the role of the public intellectual.”
Prayer and Viewing (Lamay) services will be held on both Wednesday, December 7 and Thursday, December 8 from 6:00pm to midnight at Thomson in the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg. Celebration of Life program will begin at 7:00pm.
For those who wish to view the prayers and viewing virtually, please use the following links: Dec 7 - https://youtu.be/I-28YC7lFPM; Dec 8 - https://youtu.be/AeddeOEt9r0
Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 9 at 10:00am at St. Vital Church, 1629 Pembina Hwy. For those wishing to join the service virtually, please use the following link: https://youtu.be/CCNJx0_-uFE
Interment and reception to follow at Thomson in the Park.
The family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers over the years, the medical and support teams at the Health Sciences Centre, Riverview Health Centre, and especially the many family and friends who have supported our journey with Romulo in his later years. Scholarship donations may be made to the University of Manitoba, Dr. Romulo & Patria Magsino Prize of Excellence in Education, 200-137 Innovation Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 6B6.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Magsino family.
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