A memorial service for Magnus Mark-Einar Fields, 2, of North Bend will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 7  at Harmony United Methodist Church, 123 Ocean Blvd. SE, Coos Bay, with Pastor Laura Beville officiating. A reception will follow at the church.

Magnus was born a happy, sunny, summertime baby on July 9, 2015, in Coos Bay. Like the beautiful sunrise that accompanied his birth that early morning, he brought radiant sunshine into the lives of his parents, Molly (Keller) Fields and Jeffery Fields, and his big brother, Brian.­

He was a joyful early riser, greeting each new day with a smile. He was the sweetest, cutest little boy that his family and friends have ever known. This gentle giant loved to share warm snuggles with everybody. He was always smiling, laughing, and squealing in joy. He had an old soul and a wisdom that twinkled in his eyes. Everywhere he went, he charmed the ladies with his big, blue eyes, blond hair, and huge smile. Others felt happy just to be in his presence.

He began his world travels while still in the womb. At 20 weeks old, he accompanied his parents on a special trip to Norway and Iceland. His mommy remembers him kicking excitedly from within while the family visited a beautiful waterfall, a geyser, hot springs, historical museums, and even while they hiked and skied. As a baby and toddler he loved to ride by car, train, stroller, and especially by hiking backpack in the outdoors. He delighted in every experience.

A true child of the Oregon coast, he longed to be outside in the wind and the cold. Camping, swimming, splashing in the water, tenderly touching plants, playing peek-a-boo among the trees, and throwing autumn leaves were moments of magic for him. He was happy as long as he was in the fresh air.

Magnus revered his big brother, Brian, whom he looked up to as his hero and teacher. With birthdays that were only three days apart, Magnus and Brian enjoyed many special adventures together at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Enchanted Forest, and many outdoor parks across Oregon.

He loved animals great and small and enjoyed special friendships with the cats and dogs in his life. Animals drew near to him and found him to be a kindred spirit.

Magnus is a Latin name meaning “great.” His entire name means “great God of war, one warrior of the field.” True to his name, he was an extraordinary person, mighty and brave like the Nordic kings and Vikings of old, with whom he shared his name.

He was born a patriot, knowing innately how to wave his little American flag with gusto. Patriotic and spiritual music stirred his soul. He delighted in playing with his pot-and-pan drums, xylophone, music boxes, piano, and musical toys.

His personal strength and will to live shall never be equaled. After many months of persevering through health problems, always with a jolly smile, Magnus at 22 months old was diagnosed with a rare inherited enzyme deficiency.

With incredible strength and joy, he recently triumphed through a 110-day medical journey to receive a stem cell transplant at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. More than once, his doctors called him “remarkable” and “strong as an ox.” His transplant was deemed successful. After four months of living in Portland, far from their family, Magnus and his mommy finally returned home to North Bend on Dec. 10.

Magnus enjoyed a victorious homecoming, squealing in delight to see his special kitty cat, play with his grandparents, and interact with his musical toys again. He truly reflected a sentiment from one of his favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz: “There’s no place like home.”

After fighting so very bravely for his life and succeeding in battle, our mighty Viking completed his long journey. Magnus passed away peacefully and suddenly in his sleep on the morning of Dec. 13, 2017. His Valkyries, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, and other guardian angels sailed with him to the halls of Valhalla. He is now in the arms of his ancestors and our Lord, singing and dancing to his favorite song, “Jesus Loves Me,” and playing with his St. Bernard dogs who preceded him in death.

His passing was unexpected, and his loved ones were not ready to say goodbye to their greatest hero.

Magnus is survived by his parents, Molly and Jeffery Fields of North Bend; brother, Brian Fields of North Bend; grandparents, Barbara Keller, Dan Keller, Jr., Fonda Keller, Penni Fields, and Allen “Gator” Fields; great-grandparents, Geneieve James, Bobby James, Arlene Fields, and Wanda Keller; uncle, Wesley Keller; aunt, Jennifer Keller; and a multitude of cousins and dear friends.

His family will be forever grateful to the little girl whose umbilical cord blood donation gave Magnus the promise of new life and health.

In memory of Magnus, the Fields family asks that parents who are expecting a newborn baby please consider the simple procedure of donating umbilical cord blood to the international registry, Be The Match. Cord blood is a wonderful source of stem cells that can treat or cure a multitude of devastating diseases. For more information on how to save a life, visit www.bethematch.org/donation.

Monetary donations can be made in memory of Magnus Fields to the Hematology and Oncology department at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Please send donations along with his name to the OHSU Foundation, Mail Stop 45, PO Box 4000, Portland, OR 97208-9852. To give online, visit www.onwardOHSU.org/tribute-gifts.

Magnus’s joy and light touched the lives of countless people.

All are welcome to attend the memorial service of this extraordinary little boy. A secondary parking location is available at Blossom Gulch Elementary School with a free taxi to the church.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

 Service Information