Obituary

Bruce McGagin Obituary
Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 3, 2024.
Bruce Abbott McGagin

Bruce Abbott McGagin, of Fair Oaks, California, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the age of 80, surrounded by his family. Bruce will be forever missed by his devoted wife of 58 years, Karen; his children, Bruce D. McGagin (Sandy), Gail McGagin Vance, and Kerry McGagin Harahan (Chris); his grandchildren; Kayla (Cameron), Brandon, Emma, Ryan, Tate, and Lindsay; and three great-grandchildren Ethan, Bentley, and Hailey. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Timothy McGagin.

Bruce was born on November 3, 1944, in Auburn to Verna Abbott and Donald B. McGagin. He graduated from Bishop Armstrong High School in 1962. He married Karen, the love of his life, at Presentation Church in 1966 in Sacramento. They raised three children - Bruce, Gail, and Kerry. He earned a bachelor's degree from Sacramento State University. He furthered his education by earning a master's degree, became an adjunct professor, and taught business classes where he was famous for making his students stand and tell jokes before their final presentations.

Bruce's real estate career spanned more than forty-five years. He was associated with several companies in the Bay Area and Sacramento culminating his career with his partner Randall Hom at Diversified Properties.

A devout Catholic, Bruce was a dedicated member of his church community and active in various ministries throughout the years at St. Mel Catholic Church and Divine Savior. Athletic, he was an avid runner and competed regularly in races including the Clarksburg 20-mile Country Run and the California International Marathon. He coached his kids' championship soccer teams for more than a decade and played in an adult soccer league with Karen. He was passionate about Notre Dame University football and the 49ers.

Bruce was known for his incredible physical strength, dry sense of humor, and great appreciation for wine. He was an ardent gardener, exemplified by his beautiful and peaceful backyard, and a zealous dog-lover adored by his pals Yankee, Shawnee, Pierre, Bandit, Raleigh, Sierra, Logan, and Baxter.

A funeral service will be held on December 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Mel Catholic Church in Fair Oaks. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue & Sanctuary in Elverta, a cause close to Bruce's heart.