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BORN
1953
DIED
2015
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Alan Magill Obituary
Alan Jon Magill, 61, passed away Saturday September 19, 2015 near his home in Woodway, Washington. He was born November 26, 1953 in Craig, Colorado. Alan is survived by his wife of 31 years, Janiine Babcock, his daughter Lara Magill and her husband Jonathan Krynitsky, his daughter Sarah Magill, and his brother Donald Magill. Alan served for 26 years in the U.S. Army Medical Corp building the foundation for his career as an infectious disease doctor and medical researcher. He retired as a Colonel, after leading the military's program to develop drugs and diagnostics to fight malaria and other tropical diseases. In 2012, Alan was honored to join the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as its Director of Malaria Programs. He was inspired by the exceptional individuals at the Foundation who helped him build his vision for a malaria-free world. The only thing surpassing his passion for global health was his love of family. Alan's tenderness, goofiness, and unconditional love grounded us. His uncanny ability to see into our hearts made him an incredibly compassionate man who would always listen and always hold us. His strength and drive made him unbeatable at board games, miniature golf, and poker, while his love for adventure and the great outdoors took him to some of the most wild and beautiful places in the world.
Alan was the light in our lives, and in his passing, we are not surprised that the warmth, joy, and love that he gave us every day can still be felt in the shadows.
A public viewing will be held at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, Seattle, on Wednesday September 23, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amazon Medical Project, PATH.org, or ASTMH. org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Magill
Sponsored by The Family.
Michael Zapor
September 15, 2023
Thinking of you on the approaching anniversary of your death and reflecting on your many contributions to infectious diseases medicine and Army medicine. Rest in peace, Alan.
Barney Garza
September 15, 2022
Seven years ago I lost my dear friend Alan. He was like a brother to me. Although we hadn't seen each other for several years he was always in my thoughts. I choose to remember the good times with him. Like the time we backpacked around Lake Sam Rayburn and did not bring a tent because it was such a beautiful day and it couldn't possibly rain. We went to bed that night under the stars and then the rains came, boy did it rain! He was such a sweet guy! He had such a positive attitude about everything. Like the time we were fishing on lake Dam B and a storm came up. The waves were white capping and I was scared stiff and I looked over at him with that big smile of his face and all he said was "this is fun!" I honestly don't think anything negative was ever said about him! I wish I could say that about myself. He was a good example for everyone to follow. He left this world a better place because of his service and commitment to it. There will never be another Alan Magill and the world needs many more like him. RIP my dear friend, You will always be loved and respected by everyone who knew you.
Nelson Michael
September 15, 2021
You are missed daily as your legacy lives on at WRAIR.
Joseph Drabick
January 3, 2016
I was so sad to hear of Alan's passing. He was a great guy and a phenomenal colleague. He was a total success in his life and touched so many others. My condolences to his family and close friends at their loss.
Beth Barritt
November 10, 2015
Thinking of you janiine. There are no words.
Janey lamb Broussard
October 25, 2015
I'm just a high school friend but wanted to send my sympathy to the family and say that Alan was a very special person and true friend. I'm sorry his time was cut short when he was making such a difference in the world. What an awesome legacy for his family.
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
Alan's aspiration and passion for a malaria free world is our legacy that we will embrace
Sara Canavati
September 30, 2015
September 29, 2015
You were awesome and I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to know you and work with you. You were a constant encourager for me during the illness and passing of my mother. I pray God's peace that passes all understanding for his family and friends. You are loved and will be missed, but never forgotten.
Denise Anderson
September 28, 2015
I have known Alan for many years, beginning in high school. We were in band together where he served as our drum major.
There wasn't anything he couldn't do if he had a mind to do it.
Craig Barrington
September 26, 2015
Reading of your life's work I am not surprised to learn that it was centered on the ultimate act of humanity, the giving of yourself, talents and knowledge to help our less fortunate and needy fellow human beings. You helped and inspired countless people in your life and simply made this world a better place.
Life's journey brought us together briefly for a few too short years early in life, but the amazing epic adventures we shared in Mother Nature's wonderland gave me the most intense, wonderful and beautiful experiences of my life.
All of my love to Alan's family, I celebrate and toast the man whose heart was larger than Mount Everest. I love you Alan my brother, I will cherish you forever.
Melanie Hill
September 25, 2015
I never had the pleasure of meeting Alan, but it sounds like he was very much like his brother, Don. We all can only hope to have the opportunity and wherewithal to use our God given talents to make a positive impact, such as Alan, during our time on earth. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Christine Sundermann
September 25, 2015
Alan was an inspirational teacher in the Gorgas course, and I will never forget him or his lectures. This past Monday was a malaria lecture day for senior parasitology students at AU, and a tribute to Dr. Magill was woven into the lecture at numerous points (and tears were shed).
Larry Blank
September 23, 2015
September 23, 2015
Like many here I knew Alan from our Austin Jr High days through high school. Alan was always a great guy. My thoughts and prayers go to Alan and his family. Rest in peace.
Stephen Craig
Nelson Michael
September 23, 2015
All of us at the Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research were stunned by the news of the passing of this colleague, friend, fellow Soldier, and infectious diseases great.
Alan and I shared patients in the hospital, research ideas in the laboratory, and a profound desire to improve the lives for those afflicted by infections for which there was precious little that could be done in our respective fields. We have seen great strides for both malaria and HIV, but our work is far from over.
Alan, I raise a glass of water to you, Brother Soldier, in our traditional sign of respect for our Fallen. Others around you will take the Guidon from here and, inspired by your great deeds and the legacy that you have instilled in so many of your peers and junior colleagues, will see the mission accomplished.
RIP, Colonel.
Nelson L. Michael
Colonel, Medical Corps
United States Army
Katherine Murray-Leisure MD
September 23, 2015
ALAN MAGILL, MD, In Memoriam. My condolences to you and the Magill family on the loss of Dr Alan Magill this September. He was one of the greatest minds in tropical medicine from our generation. Alan worked tirelessly not only on eliminating malaria but also he tackled another neglected tropical disease, sandfly-borne leishmaniasis. Magill's group ran the leishmania microbiology lab at Walter Reed Army Institute through 1997 or so, I believe, before your family, with children, left for Peru. After Desert Shield in 1990, I'd sent Magill dozens of National Guard and Army cases from central Pennsylvania. He studied these follks in detail and defined the oligoparasitic forms of disease, viscerotropic leishmaniasis, and sandfly vectors in the Middle East linked with Operation Desert Storm. His patients and study subjects were most grateful. In Peru, Alan tackled New World leishmaniasis with equal enthusiasm. A genius with infinite patience, Alan was indeed a fine clinician, teacher, and brilliant yet humble scientist who carried on with a delightful sense of humor. His gracious personality, immense energy, and creativity will be missed. Katherine Murray Leisure, MD, Infectious diseases & Travel Health, Plymouth, MA 02360. September 23, 2015.
Katherine Murray-Leisure, MD
September 23, 2015
ALAN MAGILL, MD, In Memoriam. Janine, Lara, Sarah, and Donald Magill: My condolences to you and the Magill family on the loss of your beloved Dr Alan Magill this September. He was one of the greatest minds in tropical medicine from our generation. Alan worked tirelessly not only on eliminating malaria but also he tackled another neglected tropical disease, sandfly-borne leishmaniasis. Magill's group ran the leishmania microbiology lab at Walter Reed Army Institute through 1997 or so, I believe, before your family, with children, left for Peru. After Desert Shield in 1990, I'd sent Magill dozens of National Guard and Army cases from central Pennsylvania. He studied these follks in detail and defined the oligoparasitic forms of disease, viscerotropic leishmaniasis, and sandfly vectors in the Middle East linked with Operation Desert Storm. His patients and study subjects were most grateful. In Peru, Alan tackled New World leishmaniasis with equal enthusiasm. A genius with infinite patience, Alan was indeed a fine clinician, teacher, and brilliant yet humble scientist who carried on with a delightful sense of humor. His gracious personality, immense energy, and creativity will be missed. Katherine Murray Leisure, MD, Infectious diseases & Travel Health, Plymouth, MA 02360. September 23, 2015.
The MMV team
Colleagues at MMV
September 23, 2015
That was my three-gin-and-tonic-moment. We all laughed. That was Alan Magill in fine form recently, at the height of a scientific meeting, when he described finally understanding that three of the major pillars of his grand strategy toward malaria eradication were in danger of crumbling.
This is one of the things colleagues at Medicines for Malaria Venture commented upon on Monday morning when we learned of his passing. It was a quintessential Alan moment, and one that showed incredibly well what we, in the scientific community, have so valued about Alan: in confessing to his three-gin-and-tonic moment, he made clear that he understood in a deep way both the science and human behavior that dictate whether or not there are medicines available against malaria; that he was humble enough to use the evidence before him to call into question his own grand strategy; and that he was determined to make us all laughwith and at him, a little bitat our smallness in the face of the complexity of the problems we face. Was it his military training that allowed him to take in multiple pieces of not-so-good news, quickly reassess the situation, come up with a plan, and realize that the key to that plan was motivating his troops to get back there and fight? We don't know, but we do know that he was telling usscientists and activists in the fight against malariathat it was okay to lick our wounds a little in the face of successive blowsbut that once the hangover had cleared it was time for all of us to get back to the work at hand.
MMV has benefitted tremendously from all of these characteristics of Alanhis deep scientific understanding, his ambitious strategy guided by evidence, and his sense of humility underpinned by humor, all in the service of great work. It was for usat the sober moment of our learning of his passingit is for us now, our three-gin-and-tonic moment realizing, suddenly, that we have lost a great leader in the fight against malaria. We hope in the midst of our collective loss that we can continue in his enormous footsteps to be scientifically grounded, incredibly ambitious, carefully strategicand keep on with the work with humility and humor. We will do so with gratitude for all he has given us.
Alan's many colleagues from MMV, Geneva, Switzerland
Felecia Hagood
September 23, 2015
My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure to work for Dr. Magill. I pray for comfort & strength for his family.
Juan Mendez
September 23, 2015
The Méndez family will always remember you.
"Our Prayers and Love to your dear family"
Christian Bautista
September 23, 2015
I had the great pleasure to work with Dr. Magill in several malaria studies in Peru and Thailand. He was a good friend and mentor to me. I will never forget that he always said that "working together", we can eradicate malaria.
My heart felt condolences to his family.
ASHTM, New Orleans 2014
Claudia Surjadjaja
September 23, 2015
Ric and Carol Dalke
September 23, 2015
Don and family, may you find comfort in the love and memories you share. We are lifting you in prayer at this difficult time of loss. Love and hugs.
R W
September 23, 2015
My deepest condolences to the family. May the God of compassion, comfort the family during the loss of your beloved one. May the beautiful moments forever live in your hearts. My sincere and heartfelt prayers are with the family. (1 Peter 5:10)
Bob Carlisle
September 22, 2015
Alan was always a hero who bring joy and fun into all who surrounded him. I am so proud of all the things you accomplished in this life and for the beautiful impact you had on mine!! RIP
Lorri McKnight
September 22, 2015
Alan Magill, you were larger than life, strong, funny, happy and a born leader. I knew you from high school, college and beyond. I backpacked many miles with you in so many different places, states and countries. As we trudged on for miles with heavy packs, you always told me that our campground would be just over that next hill. When I learned of your passing, a flood of memories and stories rushed to my mind of trips, places and people. So blessed to have called you my friend. My prayers to Janiine, Lara, Sarah and all of the Magill family.
Sten Vermund
September 22, 2015
Alan was a champion for the poor, those who get parasitic and other tropical diseases far beyond those with means. His legacy is profound, superb teacher and mentor, brilliant scientist, effective manager, powerful advocate, loving family man. We will carry on his work and memory. Love to his family, both immediate and those of us who thought of him as a brother-in-spirit.
Fernando Guerena
September 22, 2015
With profound sadness I received today the tragic news of Alan Magill untimely death. What an unfillable vacuum he leaves behind! Alan was my mentor in the wards of Walter Reed Army Medical Center, at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, at the Tropical Medicine Course, and during my never-ending formation as an Army Medical Corps Officer. He would be the first to answer my calls from Iraq giving me sound advice regardless of the time zone differences, he would lift my spirits as well when all appeared to be overwhelmingly bureaucratic and impossible. Oh he will be missed by all, that like me, had the privilege of his caring and brilliant guidance and friendship. I salute you Colonel Alan Magill!
Dean and Susan Biggs
September 22, 2015
Don and family: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you
at this difficult time. May peace and strength come to
you in the memories you hold of Alan in your hearts.
September 22, 2015
Don and family: Our heartfelt sympathy and love to you and Alan's family. His story is inspiring----we send hugs and love both now and in the difficult days to come. God Bless, Jana and Tony Leddy
September 22, 2015
Sending Alan's brother, Don, and the entire Magill family love and prayers at this very difficult time. Lindy Wiens
September 22, 2015
The WRAIR Experimental Therapeutics family, and all of us who COL Magill supported and mentored have suffered an immeasurable loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Janiine and the girls, whose grief I can't even fathom.
Bet Magill
September 22, 2015
There are some on this earth who are just bigger than life--who just seem to have an innate connection to what is really important and meaningful in life. Alan was just such a person. He lived life fully and without fear and yet with such a childlike innocence and humbleness. Having known him since he was a child, I have so admired that about him. There was never a thought that he might leave us too soon. Having watched him pack his gear for many treks and return with incredible, wonderfully embellished stories, he seemed invincible.
This time he did not know he was leaving and he packed nothing for this journey. Bewildered we look at the well-used travel guide, remembering his energy, passion, and determination to leave the world a better place. We realize it is now up to us. You will be forever missed, Alan.
Kenny Seay
September 22, 2015
When we first met he was learning to play the clarinet. I am profoundly grateful for the rare fortune given me in Alan's friendship. I am heartbroken for Janiine, Lara, and Sarah and offer my very deepest sympathy for their loss.
Sara Canavati
September 22, 2015
The world lost a giant
I have been looking at some pictures remembering the recent visit of Alan Magill to our project in Cambodia. Alan truly believed in the potential each individual had in eliminating malaria in the region. Alan listened to every story. We sat and chatted for hours. Alan was so interested in every detail and did not pretend to know it all. Alan was very humble and I was shocked by his willingness to learn and listen. Following that I had the privilege of having Alan chaining my session at ASTMH and in June this year he lectured me on malaria elimination in Boston. I always looked up to him very highly for his compassionate passion and humanity. He will be truly missed. We still had some pending tasks The biggest tribute we can pay is to embrace his mission. His was a life that mattered.
Glenn Wortmann
September 22, 2015
I first met Alan when he was my attending during my Infectious Disease fellowship at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. His analytical approach, commitment to education and passion for Medicine taught me and many others life-long lessons. He was one of those rare individuals who truly inspired, and his impact on Army Medicine and global health are immeasurable. I am fortunate to have known and worked with him, and extend deepest sympathies to Janiine and his family.
Glenn Wortmann, MD
COL (Ret), US Army
Vince Straley
September 22, 2015
Today I learned that my friend Alan Magill has died. Can't express my sorrow. All of my favorite memories are because of Alan. He was always the leader, smart, and fun, fun, fun. What a loss. To Janine, my deepest sympathy. I still remember the four of us crying, we were laughing so hard in that hotel room in Taos. The world has lost one of the good ones. and I have lost my friend. RIP
Jeff Ryan
September 22, 2015
I will always think fondly of Alan. He was a good friend and mentor to me. His enthusiasm, drive and wisdom inspired so many people to fight the good fight.
"Malaria Delenda Est"
September 22, 2015
I had the great pleasure of being one of the students he taught at Military Tropical Medicine this past summer. He is a great inspiration to us all. God Bless
Michael Zapor
September 22, 2015
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Alan's death. He was highly regarded by all of us in the Army infectious diseases community and his career path was inspirational. I offer my sincere condolences to his family.
Maeve Magner
September 22, 2015
You will be missed Alan, though your legacy will be seen for a long time yet. An inspiration to many
Michael Jones
September 22, 2015
On behalf of the Executive Board of the Faculty of Travel Medicine at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow we convey our profound sorrow at the death of Alan, a great military doctor and malaria researcher and a wonderful past President of the International Society of Travel Medicine. Always polite and courteous we remember him as a true gentleman and were grateful for his participation in the College Triennial Symposium of 2011 when he delivered a lecture of great quality on the history of anti-malarial chemotherapy. I affectionately remember talking with him as we walked along the banks of the river in the early morning at the Maastricht ISTM conference in 2013. He had much still to give, his death was untimely and we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Janine, his daughters and immediate family and friends.
Dr Michael E Jones
Dean
Faculty of Travel Medicine
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Alex Grieve
September 22, 2015
Alan Magill typified the virtues that we should all aspire to, but so few ever achieve. RIP
John Milton Stiteler
September 21, 2015
I was very sorrow and quite surprised to learn of the passing of Dr. Alan Magill. I have known hime since our years together working at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research [WRAIR] in Washington, DC in the field of Leishmaniasis diagnostics. Specially, he and I and others worked to accomplish the development of a Leishmania Skin Test [LSTA] at WRAIR beginning in 1990. I will always remember his patient and deliberate efforts in that pursuit.
My condolences go out to his wonderful wife Dr. Janiine Babcock, and their two lovely daughters, Lara and Sarah.
John Milton Stiteler (JMS)
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