Wellesley Shaen Magan

1942 - 2021

Wellesley Shaen Magan
October 18, 1942 - September 30, 2021
Tidewater, Oregon - The world dimmed less bright on September 30th, 2021 when Shaen Magan's big heart gave out weeks before his 79th birthday, while on a fishing trip with the love of his life, Betty, at their home in Oregon.
Anyone who knew him was privileged to be part of the same air he breathed. He ran circles around anyone and everyone with his intense love of life and his fierce passion for those lucky enough to be considered his family and friends. If there was ever anyone who lived life to its potential, it was Shaen. I can't imagine the energy God put into making such an individual. There is no one like him. No one. And sadly, there will never be one again.
Born on October 18, 1942 in Covina, Shaen had a storied life as a son of a well-known doctor. His main idol in life, who we can thank for shaping such a wonderful, electric personality, was his grandfather, Wellesley Percy Magan Sr, who he lovingly named Bop. He was also a well-known physician and started the Magan Medical Clinic in Covina, and a Magan Hall, which is still part of the Loma Linda University. Shaen was raised and educated as a Seventh Day Adventist which influenced his entire life.
Shaen absolutely loved being a Magan, it stood for something of strength and bravado, and he didn't let his legacy down. At a young age he knew that he was destined to be a farmer, not a doctor, and at the age 16 started working on farms during Summer breaks. After college he had success as a cotton farmer. Not one to stop at just one accomplishment, he went on to own Shaen Magan Trucking, Tule Warehouse, Visalia Iron & Metal, Mid Valley Iron & Metal, in Visalia, and Budget Auto Wrecking in Visalia and Goshen. After several difficult business years, he founded Tule Ranch and Western Express, then eventually sold the California farmland to start Western Express Transporters and purchased AgTech, in Yuma, Arizona, employing nearly 200 people. While he made it look easy, running such a large operation had many challenges and required constant attention.
He was focused in business and in loving those around him. There isn't a problem he couldn't solve or a situation that he couldn't undertake. He had a masterful mind and funny beyond belief. His humor, generosity, love of everything – literally everything – will be so missed.
An avid car, boat, motorcycle enthusiast and collector of all things fast and fun, Shaen became a member of the 200 MPH club after setting multiple speed records at Bonneville. His group of friends from the Bass Lake coffee shop and the famed Pines Bar, would join him on these quests for speed. The stories, some of which can be shared, some of which will stay with the crew, are part of his legacy, which happens with all legends.
When he married Betty over 32 years ago, they forged a life together through their successful business ventures and making beautiful homes. They are fiercely loyal to one another. Recently, their grandson Sayler said, "you made his life Gam.," (a nickname the grandkids call her), she replied, "well he made mine." Simply said, nothing could be more true.
This loving light, force of nature, and literally the glue to so many, is survived by his loving wife Betty Magan, his daughters Jenna Magan (Luke Barker) and Shana Magan Starr-Daniel (Jarrod Daniel), and step-children Ben Lapadula (Joanna), Laurie Lapadula Smith (Sean Smith), and Greg Lapadula, along with eight grandchildren, Ryan Lapadula (Kelly), Jordan Lapadula, Michelle Gill (Brian), Grayson Starr, Spencer Starr, Sayler Smith, Kellen Barker and Brooke Barker and one great grandchild Rocco Gill.
His celebration of life will be held at Pines Resort Lake View Room in Bass Lake, on November 7th at 11:00 am. Please bring your best memory to share.
In leu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Shaen's honor.