Keith Magnuson may have retired from hockey in 1980, but he was more than in his prime when he died last week. Little did people know what an effect he had on the organization and the community in those 23 years since that retirement. We know now.

'Maggie' was always active in charity events. Here he participates in the Chicago Blackhawk Charities Four Feather Golf Invitational in September.

After a week of moving tributes, even the casual of fans must realize what an amazing human being this man was. People talk of helping other people; Magnuson actually did it. Over and over and over again. The question is, "Why?"

Usually, there is SOME ulterior motive, isn't there? Maybe that's what we've come to expect, but when you're around someone like Keith (and there aren't many like him), you know you're seeing the genuine thing. And, of course, you don't really realize what you have until it's gone.

Since last Monday people have recited the wonderful things Magnuson has done in his life and the humor and fun he brought to those around him. Before that dreadful night, the whole picture of this man may not have been thought of much, even by people close to him. But when you think about it now, this is a man that should have been praised and honored throughout his years in Chicago for his extraordinary commitment to the city and its charitable causes.

With his passing, he now gets the recognition we all failed to give him. His name should be synonymous with what being a pro athlete is all about; how using that recognition to help other people is about as easy a thing you can do.

Not that Maggie just lent his name out to causes. We've heard countless stories on how Keith wanted to roll up his sleeves and get involved. Get involved he did, and his work had a tangible effect on many, many people.

I've gone nearly the whole column and not mentioned him as a player. That's because everything you need to know about Keith Magnuson, the player, you can figure out by just looking at Keith Magnuson, the man. Without having seen him play a single game, you can easily believe what all his teammates and opponents have said over the last week.

He was exactly the type of player every team needed and every other team hated to see. Always working hard, always sticking up for his teammates, and ALWAYS competing. To the very day he passed away, he regretted not winning a championship for Chicago. Even 30 years later, it still bugged him. Now that's a competitor.

So during this holiday season, think of Keith Magnuson for a moment -- and not just because he died tragically, but because he really was a special person; one that you don't come across very often in life.

Maybe, never again.

Jesse Rogers hosts the Blackhawks pre- and post-game shows on the Blackhawk Radio Network, 670-AM. Like last season, Jesse will write a weekly column for chicagoblackhawks.com. Got a comment or question for Jesse? Email him at: jrogers@chicagoblackhawks.com