Martin Kopel Magid

Martin K. Magid passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 15th with his devoted and loving family at his side. 

People who knew Marty talk about his curiosity, his openness, and his generosity of spirit. Marty enjoyed people and made friends wherever he went. If he saw you carrying an interesting camera or wearing the logo of a Detroit sports team, he’d walk right up with a huge smile on his face, crack a joke, and start a conversation, whether you were in Georgia, Lithuania, or New York. Pretty soon you’d be telling him your life story. If you had a dog, he would definitely pet it. He didn’t make acquaintances; he made friends. Whenever he traveled, he’d come home with a few rolls of film and a couple of new penpals. 

Marty was born and raised in Detroit and lived much of his life there, as well as in Los Angeles and Athens, Georgia. He worked as an engineer while attending law school at night. He spent years as an attorney and administrative law judge for the EEOC and the Social Security Administration, but he’d tell you that the best job he ever had was working as a diaper delivery driver the year he got out of the army. 

On the evening of November 15, Marty was in home hospice, surrounded by his family. He opened his eyes for a moment and focused on his wife’s face. He gave her that big, loving smile, then gently closed his eyes again and faded away. He was 90 years old.

Marty is survived by his wife, Susan Magid Beale, his children Gary Magid (Paula Magid), Linda Magid Duncan (Don “DC” Duncan), Mark Henderson (Elena Goldstein) and Annie Blaauw (Brett Blaauw). He is also survived by grandchildren Ezra Henderson, Sam Henderson, Seth Blaauw, Stefan Ashdown and Kristin Swoveland (nee Ashdown), as well as great-grandchildren Jackson Mendenhall, Wesley Mendenhall, and Rory Swoveland. Marty is also survived by his brother, Ralph Magid (Stevie Magid), and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Steven Magid and daughter-in-law Sheila Magid, his mother Ann Magid and father Benjamin Magid, and by his sister, Nancy Miller. He was also preceded in death by his beloved dog Daisy. 

If you wish to make a donation in Marty’s name, the family recommends the International Rescue Committee.

A memorial is planned for the Spring in Michigan.

Lord and Stephens, West is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com