A note to our Health Sciences family regarding Dr. John Magruder

We want to express our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to Dr. Kate Kasicky and their family for the death of Dr. John Magruder.

Healer, husband, father, son, doctor, poet, outdoorsman, and friend.

John’s death is a tragedy for us all. He lit up every room he entered. As a servant and healer, his legacy creates an ongoing inspiration to us all. Even though he will not practice in the new Children’s hospital, his spirit lives within the very foundation of all we do for the children of West Virginia.

For the children and their families for which he provided care, to his WVU, WVU Medicine, Health Sciences, pediatric and neurology community colleagues - to lose John so early is a deep loss.

John’s death reminds us of the tremendous impact that we each make in the world when we live with pure intent. The commitment to do good – to do well – resided in John’s heart and will serve as his legacy to all of us.

So, to our WVU family, please support Kate and their family and think warm thoughts of John to keep his memory alive for those not fortunate enough to know him.

Although his life was too short on earth, he left this earth much better than he found it.

The impact of John’s life reminds me of one of my favorite writings by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of the intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here. This is to have succeeded.”

Godspeed, Dr. John Magruder. You have left an indelible mark on us all.

At this time, the family asks for privacy while they continue to grieve the loss of this wonderful man and work towards keeping his legacy alive. In lieu of flowers, they ask that donations be made in his memory to The Epilepsy Foundation of West Virginia (www.epilepsy.com/local/west-virginia, 445 West Main St. Suite 253, Clarksburg WV 26301) or the Mountaineer Area Rescue Group (www.wvmarg.org, 714 Venture Dr. #119, Morgantown WV 26508).

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Dr. Magruder’s obituary is posted online, and condolences can be shared at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.