John Michael Maginnis

John Michael "Mike" Maginnis, of Tigard, OR, passed away on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. Born on May 9, 1938, in Portland, OR, to Avis (Hartson) and Daniel Maginnis, Mike grew up in the historic Grant Park neighborhood and graduated from Grant High School in 1956. He went on to attend and graduate from the University of Oregon, where he was a Cadet in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and a brother of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. It was during his college years that he met Janet “Jan,” the love of his life and wife of 63 years, after asking her to a fraternity dance.

Following their wedding in July 1961, Mike and Jan moved to Germany, where Mike served in the 14th Armored Cavalry as a Lieutenant and patrolled the East and West border of Germany during the Cold War. It was in Germany that they welcomed their first son, Patrick. After his military service, the family relocated to Walnut Creek, CA, and grew with the births of their sons Brian and Kevin.

Mike's entrepreneurial spirit eventually led his family to Beaverton, OR, where he owned and operated several restaurants across the Pacific Northwest, including McDonald’s, Arctic Circle, BeBop, a ‘50s-inspired nightclub and Chuck E. Cheese’s. Inspired by his youngest son Kevin, who was born with developmental disabilities, Mike became a passionate advocate for disability rights. His advocacy deepened after winning the Oregon Lottery in 1991, allowing him to build a group home on 4-acres of land in Beaverton, OR to house and support people with disabilities.

Mike and Jan's commitment grew after discovering Dr. Jean Edwards' vision to create a supportive community, The Edward’s Center. This community welcomes families and offers classes, housing, job development and social activities. Today, Edwards Enterprises owns and operates 20 group homes throughout the Portland area.

Mike's family was his anchor. He found joy in traveling the world and making memories with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing, pickleball, fishing and skiing on Mt. Hood. Mike's legacy is one of philanthropy and unyielding love for his family.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Avis (Hartson) and Daniel Maginnis, and his sister Marcia (Maginnis) Kline. He is survived by his wife, Jan Maginnis; his children, Patrick (Laura) Maginnis, Brian (Treena) Maginnis and Kevin Maginnis; his grandchildren, Jeff (Michelle) Maginnis, Molly (Clint) Mitchell, Kyle (Renda) Maginnis, Katherine (Matthew) Miller, Ryan (Lily) Bresler, Alexandra (Corey) Bickler, Caroline Bresler, Nolan Scott, Hayden Scott and ten great-grandchildren.

A private service was held on Friday, July 12th, at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Portland, OR. Memorial donations may be made to The Edward’s Center in Aloha, OR.