William Ralph Magnuson

William (Bill) Ralph Magnuson was born June 2, 1933, and raised in Boise, Idaho, son of Ralph and Bertha Magnuson. He had one brother, Richard (Dick) Magnuson.

Growing up, Bill played organized baseball, played reed musical instruments and worked on vehicles while having a job at a gas station. Bill graduated from Boise High School in 1951, went to Boise Junior College, and was drafted in 1953 into the army as a mechanic.

In 1955, Bill joined the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 296 as an apprentice, and this year was given the “65 year pin” for his longtime standing in this Local Union 296. In 1960, he won the state plumbing contest for being the best 5th year apprentice graduating to a Journeyman. From there, he taught the apprenticeship program for 30 years, helping to educate and grow the foundation of Local Union 296. Bill played the Clarinet, Obo and Saxophone professionally at the local night clubs and had a reputation as quite the dancer. Other hobbies included working on vehicles, fishing and duck hunting.

He married Rita Patterson, and they had to two children, Bill and Ray. They later divorced. In 1978, he married Glenna Skeen and helped raise Lonnie, Steve, Jan and Gary. He is survived by his brother Richard, Ray, Bill, Gary, Steve, Jan and their families.

There will be no after the funeral gathering as there is a Local Union 296 get-together scheduled at a later date.