Company takes the joy out of Santa's holiday

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A company spokeswoman said Santa's health issues caused concern.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — The holiday season will not be the same for one area Santa.

For many years, William Magan, 72, has waited until after the Thanksgiving holiday to don his red suit, lace up the black boots, brush the long silver beard and head to Southern Park Mall.

Now, he says, the company responsible for staffing the mall with Santas has ended his contract.

Magan said he was ready to pull his red outfit out of the closet and suit up just as he has done every year since 1991 when he learned he would no longer be serving as Santa.

He said the Colorado-based Noerr Program, responsible for staffing the mall's Santa Display and many more nationwide, had already renewed his contract for another year when he received the news by certified letter.

"I was stumped and bewildered," Magan said.

Takes pride in work

Magan said he takes pride in the hundreds of photos with him and smiling children — now sitting above fireplaces and in photo albums. He said serving as Santa is the highlight of his entire year.

"I retired in 1991 from security after 20 years. I enjoy doing this, I really do," he said. "Anything I do, I am devoted and dedicated. Why would they let me go and not be big enough to say why?"

Company's reasons

Ruth Rosenquist, spokeswoman for the Noerr Program, said the company did speak with Magan at length about the reasons he would no longer be serving as Santa in the mall display.

She said Magan's health issues were a primary concern for the company.

"He was a terrific Santa, but it had become noticeable to us in his final years that he had become quite frail," she said. "Basically, he was let go because of health and safety reasons. Our first responsibility on the set is safety of children, and he was becoming unable to do the job."

Rosenquist said the company representative who initially renewed Magan's contract was unaware of the health concerns.

Magan acknowledges that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, but said he is now cancer free and said he was still able to do the job after his diagnosis.

"I refused to take treatment until after the holidays. I had to be at the mall with the kids, anything for the kids," he said.

Magan said he still plans to make children happy by appearing as Santa. He is hoping to go into hospitals and appear at private parties over the holidays.

Monday, December 4, 2006