Michael’s surviving relatives include his wife Tela Skinner, his sons Jaya and Taurin Skinner-Maginnis, his daughters-in-love, Whitney Handrich and Susa Lynne, his sister-in-law Shirley Murray; nephews Bill Maginnis and family, Chris Murray and family; nieces Jennifer Hooley and family, MaryAnne Gates and family. Michael’s parents (Charles and Thelma Maginnis) and both brothers (James Murray and David Maginnis) preceded him in death. Michael’s extended family also included in-laws Rosemary and Roger Wolfin of Michigan, and Carolyn and Mike Stevens of Arizona.
Michael also wished to acknowledge his many friends, who are too numerous to list. He and Tela were blessed by their inclusion in the community of Manzanita and surrounding area and by their many friends from the Portland area and beyond.
Prior to moving to the Manzanita area full-time in 2008, Michael and Tela raised their sons in West Linn, Oregon. Michael worked in wholesale lumber for most of his career, retiring in January of 2008.
With the help of Tela’s design skills, Michael was able to build a home near the golf course in Manzanita which they moved into immediately after his retirement. A few years later, when a beautiful lot became available in Neahkahnie, they were again able to team up and build their “final resting place” overlooking the ocean.
Michael played many rounds of golf with the local gang of regulars at the Manzanita Links. Two highlights from his years of hacking away: visiting Scotland for a golf junket with both brothers and other relatives and friends, and a hole-in-one on Manzanita’s hole number three.
After retiring, Michael discovered a new passion in music, fostered by a class at NCRD called Playing Well With Others, where he met new friends in the area. Playing guitar and singing became a fun outlet for him and he played in a few local bands: Rhythm Method, The Ferrets, and Stay Tuned.
Michael also became involved with several local non-profits including the Lower Nehalem Community Trust, the Hoffman Center for the Arts, and served on the board and as president at both CARTM and the Pine Grove Community Center.
Michael and Tela were able to travel a bit over the years with Kauai being a favored vacation spot. They also enjoyed visiting Victoria, BC, and other local driving destinations.
The love Michael received from Tela, Jaya and his partner Whitney Handrich, and Taurin and his wife Susa Lynne, was a special blessing to him.
To Michael, the listing of the “facts” of his life were not as important to him as were the elements of his character as he moved through life. By nature introverted and introspective, he often reflected on how his conduct impacted others. He strove to improve and grow spiritually and to show kindness to all. He felt blessed with an abundance of love from family and community.
He also had a lively sense of humor and enjoyed a good laugh with friends.
In lieu of flowers, any contributions to the Pine Grove Community Center in Manzanita would make Michael happy. A celebration of his life will be announced later.
