"today another year passes since myself as well as my mom and sisters have lost the best man any of us has ever met! we all miss and think about you!! love you DAD!"
In loving memory of
Michael J. McGuire
February 5, 1959 - January 19, 2006
Michael J. Mac McGuire, age 46 of 131 N. Pine Street, Gwinn, died Thursday, January 19, 2006 at his home after a long illness.
Michael was born on February 5, 1959 in Toledo, Ohio, to James and Joyce (Wamer) McGuire. He grew up in Perrysburg, Ohio, and graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1977. After graduating, Michael began an 18 year long career working as a munitions maintenance specialist with the United States Air Force.
He met the former Rita Heinz while serving in the Air Force and the couple was married in Marquette on August 14, 1981. During Michaels military service he was stationed at Woodridge Air Force Base in England, K.I. Sawyer, Tague-KZ Air Force Base in Korea, Kirkland Air Force Base in New Mexico, Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa and finally returning to K.I. Sawyer where he retired.
Michael was a co-owner of Crossroads Truck Repair for the last four years.
He loved to spend time outdoors hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed playing basketball, softball, volleyball and darts. He will be sorely missed by his family.
He is survived by his wife Rita McGuire of Gwinn; one son, Benjamin (Ali) Coley of Phoenix, AZ; two daughters, Courtney June McGuire and Amber Joy McGuire of Gwinn; a very soon to be granddaughter; his father and step-mother James and Joyce McGuire of Toledo, OH; one sister, Kathy (Bryan) Leslie of Dundee, MI. He was preceded in death by his mother Joyce Wamer.
A memorial service will be held for Michael at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at the Gwinn Funeral Home with the Rev. Charles L. Tooman officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Lung Association or the Lake Superior Hospice Association.
Tributes
"I knew Mike and Rita when I was stationed in Okinawa. Rita and I became fast friends and still keep in touch. In the 80's, Mike always told me that I would someday want to have a computer in my home, which of course I said *NO WAY*. He was always ahead of his time when it came to things like that. Of course, his rationale at the time was that I might want to put recipes on it, and I dont cook. ha ha I went on to become a major computer nerd in the 90's so I guess he was right! Mikes sense of humor will always be with me and every time I use my computer, I will think of him. My son and Courney were *married* in pre-school and now they are in their 20's. Mike and Rita made video of all of the events that took place with the pre school and I still have them to look back and remember the fun times we all had together. My prayers go out to Rita and the kids and hopefully some day I will be able to venture out of NM to visit them in MI."
"I got to know Mike while assigned to the 410th Maintenance Squadron, K I Sawyer AFB. I had both the opportunity and pleasure to work with him on a daily basis. He was well versed in computers and proved to be a big help to our section. I occasionally think of Mike and will always miss him."
"Your family has our deepest sympathy. Ron has fond memories of coming up and snowmobiling with Mike and friends.. If there is anything you need please let us no.... Love you all!!"
"My condolences to your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"My sincerest condolences to Kathy and her entire family during this difficult time. May Michael now rest peacefully."
"Sending our condolenses to the family. Uncle John will always remember Mike for giving him a wooden mug from Okinawa. He will always treasure it. We will remember Mike and family at our Easter reunions and you all will be missed. May God bless you all. Aunt Cookie and Uncle John"
"My condolenses to the family. I have many fond memories of Mike from when he was a baby till he joined the Air Force. He will always hold a special place in my heart. May God Bless you all. Love Aunt Mary"
"Mike was a very good man,he was also an excellent husband! But most of all I must say he was an extrodinary dad!! DAD I will always love and miss you!! Your always in my heart,and remember IYAAYAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love your son Ben"
"one year ago today a very good man passed on! he was a great father and a great husband, and i no he would have been a great grampa! dont think he wanted to be called grampa but he would have been hands down one of the best!and i no im not the only one who thinks this way! with that..DAD rest in peace...and one day i will see u again! you are greatly missed! IYAAYAS!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"It has been a year since my father passed away. I miss him every day. This past couple years has been very difficult for our family. I know that if my father had been around for his granddaughter to be born that she would of been his life. I will always miss my father and know that I will see him again when the time is right."