Thomas Mangney Obituary

I'm so sorry to discover this so late. Thank you Mr. Magney, you inspired me to study physics and have confidence in my abilities. I wouldn't be where I am today without your guidance 25 years ago. Deepest sympathies to your family. I know loss still hurts 15 years later. Know your life's impact continues to flourish in this world.

Mr. Mangney was one of the greatest teachers I ever had, not because of what he taught but because of how he treated us--like young adults instead of stuents. I only had him for one semester for the Science of Science Fiction, but that class has forever changed my life. I am now known as the Star Trek expert in my group of friends. The profound effect Mr. Mangney had on me will be felt throughout my life. He introduced me to Sci Fi, where I now spend a lot of my writing. He was the one who told me that androids' eyes glowed [that's how you could tell they weren't human]. I had him every day, third period, for one semester. The Spring semester of my junior year. He has truly helped me become the woman I was meant to be. Mr. Mangney, where ever you are now, live long and prosper.

Wes was one of my two supporting teachers when I student taught at AAHS. He and I had a lot of contact and got to know each other in different ways than his regular students got to know their teacher. One time he and I talked on the phone when I stayed at the school, working overnight. I was stressed, I was crying, and he told me just the right thing to keep me functional. His candor his honesty were part of his public face, and they were based deep in his personality.



He wanted me to work less, but I never learned that lesson. That's why I'm writing this so many weeks after the fact. But he never learned that lesson, either: the effort he put into his AP classes was staggering. The connexion he had with some of his students was enviable. The part of him that everybody got to see was so right, so real-guy-working-a-job-well, that I knew just what all the comments on this site and others would be. People would say he told good stories. People would say he taught more about life than most teachers. But most people, almost everyone, didn't get to hear from him what we select few did. Wes taught me about taking risks in private conversation; saying to people what needed to be said. His opinions and mine so often varied, but his honesty was the base of his comments, those carefully-risked advisos he gave to people in need. A few words often change us more than a year of daily lectures, and Wes had the heart to give some of us those more important words when we needed them.



Whenever a performer dies--a real public figure--people write in letters and eulogies to say how much the person's work meant to them. But how many knew the performer backstage? Well, I knew a little of Wes backstage, and I can tell you I am glad I did.



Thanks, Wes.

Mr. Mangney was a funny and passionate teacher who made learning a joy. There was never a dull moment in his classes, and his enthusiasm was contagious. I am deeply saddened by his passing and will remember him always.

~Mr. Mangney, you are loved and missed. @>-,-`-- ~

Mr. Mangney,

I think I speak for all of Air Academy when I say you were the greatest teacher, not only to learn from in the classroom but also out of the classroom. You made physics fun and I will never forget making trebuchets and having you make Star Trek seem intersting in Science Fiction class. Your college career at Tulane gave me the motivation to dedicate myself to my college career in which I have succeeded and will be receiving my economics and journalism majors. I was crushed upon hearing of your passing, but I know God is with you and I will keep you, your friends, and family in my prayers

Mr. Mangney was a tremendous teacher and mentor. His love for teaching was inspiring, and he obviously cared about his students. He taught in a way that made his subjects interesting and easier to understand, and he was enthusiastic about his work. I will always remember his love for Star Trek and the creative ways he brought it into the classroom. I will always remember him fondly. He and his family will be in my thoughts.

Mr. Mangney,

You were the most down to earth teacher I've ever had. You put everything into context and made it easy to relate to. It was an honor to be in your class. I will miss you terribly and will never forget what you taught me.

You meant so much to everyone. I loved your classes and your stories. I will miss you terribly. Thank you for everything you taught me. Everything you did. Thanks for believing in me.

You didn't just teach physics, you taught me about life. That is what a true teacher is meant to do.

Miss you much

We'll all miss you.

Wes was not only my good friend and mentor he was also a great teacher. He made sure that his students learned more than just the science he taught. Wes is the reason that I will one day become an educator like him, and hopefully i can have the impact on young people that he had on me. Here's to you Mr. Mangney.

Mr. Magney,

I will always remember being in your physics class. You taught with such enthusiasm and excitement. I learned so much from you, not only about physics, but also about life. You shared so many valuable experiences. Thank you so much for all the wonderful knowledge and great humor that you brought to our lives.

Dear Bob and Gerry,

While we can't be there in person, our thoughts are with you at this time. I know Wes was an outstanding teacher and I like to think of him as starting many a student on their way to a sucessful scientific career. May he rest in peace. Our love to you both. We would also like to support the scholarship fund in memory of Wes. I will send by mail later. Love, Bob and Macy

Mr. Magney is a teacher I will never forget. His funny love of science always made me laugh. I remember the day he put all physics aside, and told us what to expect in college. I really learned a lot from him that day. He was kind, hilarious, and loved his students, I will never forget that. My favorite memory, however, was his love of star trek, and the funny stand-up posters he used to put in his classroom windows that always made students jump. God bless him and his family, the students at Air Academy will never forget this wonderful teacher.

Mr. Mangney was the greatest teacher and mentor I've had, though I've been through many high schools. He taught me to love physics and passed on many life lessons that I will never forget. He and I often talked of science and religion, and he showed me a way to look at the world that I hold on to still today. He will be greatly missed. I don't think anyone else could pull off the "Hunter and Monkey" experiment quite like he did.

Wes Magney was not a regular teacher. I learned more about life from him than any teacher I have ever had. He was caring and full of love for the people around him. I will miss your wonderful stories and your many silly accidents. Thank you for your support and your lessons. You were a good man.

He was an amazing teacher at Air Academy. We will all greatly miss him and the legacy he leaves behind for us.

Even though physics was my weakest subject, Mr. Mangney always made an effort to make sure I learned all the concepts anyways. He was always there to help between classes and after school, and not only taught us science, but valuable life lessons that will never be forgotten. I am sorry that we have lost such a wonderful man, but I will celebrate the legacy he left behind.

i am trully sorry to hear the news of Wes's death. He was an excellent teacher and a good friend.I had the pleasure of being his student back in AAHS for modern physics speculation class. he earned the respect and love of his students and his peers. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Eugene Lempert aahs class of '99

Mr. Mangney put his whole heart into his students and his teaching and I am greatful to have had him as a teacher and a mentor.

Mr. Mangney was the best teacher I have ever had. He taught the subject matter well and made it fun. He was always a great man to talk to and loved by anyone who ever had him. He will be missed.

Even though I only had Mr. Magney for a little while, I could see right away his positive influence on his students and fellow teachers. I hope that people will understand Mr. Magney only had the right intentions for everyone and he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Mangney, you were always a great teacher. Your scifi class is what kept me in school for a while, and I know that you will bring humor and genius to all you love in heaven. Thank you for all you brought to my life. You are missed.

Mr. Magney was indeed one of the greatest teachers I have ever had and known. He was an amazing physics teacher as well as a remarkable person who was always willing to lend a hand to help and an ear to listen. He will be missed greatly by everyone.

So sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I know how you feel for my Chrissy died when she was 18. Trust in the Lord and he will see you through this time of loss. Don't sorrow. Don't cry. He's run ahead a step or two. Wes is smiling looking back, waiting for you. When the pain overtakes you. Stand still, listen, he's there wrapping you in his arms, shielding you from all harm. Rejoice in his release, no pain, no stumbling now at home in everlasting peace.

My prayers are with you in this grave time. If I may be of assistance at anytime please contact me. Loving submitted by Phyllis Ballance Lewis.

Gerry and Robley,



I am so sorry for your loss. No parent should have to experience the pain of losing a child. My prayers are with you and your family.

Mangney taught more than physics at Air Academy. He was one of those rare life teachers who had so many experiences to share. And somehow, he always found the best way to tell them. I'll never forget his face as he talked with students before, after and during classes. He'll be dearly missed.

Mr. Mangney was great man and teacher. I was fortunate enough to have him as mentor. He always made one laugh and smile. He made learning fun, he loved what he did. I and others will miss him dearly.

Mr. Magney was a great man and a great teacher. During my time at AAHS I took his physics class and science of science fiction class, both of which gave me a real world hands on view of the world. I also value his what it means to a high school senior talk, and his talks about how to succeed in college and life. Mr. Magney cared for his students greatly. I will miss him greatly as a teacher and a mentor.

So sorry to hear of Wes'passing. We thought that he was very likable and enjoyable to be with. He especially had a great rapport with the kids. We both remember how much fun they had "rough housing" with him at the family reunion.

-Susanna (Mangney) and Larry Wahl

Our loss here on Earth, is surely a gain in Heaven. How else can one explain, why you have left us so soon. The children of Heaven, without a doubt in mind, are in need of your care.

I'm so sorry to hear the news. He was my favorite teacher who taught me the most, not always about physics but always about life. He made a great impact on the kids he taught and I know the world will miss him. I'm sorry I didn't get to know him better.