John McGuire, age 91, of Townsend

Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

1. Beth Gadola says

   July 11, 2018 at 6:31 pm

   I have many fond memories of John, but the one that stands out the most was the time he taught me to drive a stick in his Dodge Sport Pick up. We drove toward Grassy Mountain and found a flat dirt covered patch of land. Without any instruction, he stopped the Dodge, jumped out, and declared, “your turn, cutie”, flashing me a big toothy smile. I was a bit afraid and he sensed it. “It’s just like riding a horse, it will come naturally once you give it a try,”he spoke encouragingly. Little did he know I was not too successful horseback riding. We spend more than three hours jiggling and lurching forward as I tried to time the shifting and the clutch. Over and over again he would say to me, “give it another go” followed by an affectionate, hopeful smile. By the time we left that dirt patch, I was able to drive his Dodge Pickup back to their home on Cherry St. I was so, so grateful for his patience that day. He did not realize it, but I was a pivotal experience for me. I was quite angry towards men going through divorce and fighting for custody of my son. John’s compassion and patience that day restored my faith in believing there are truly loving, kindhearted men out there! Now I’m lucky enough to have married one of those great men. A kind, compassionate mostly patient man just like John.

2. Michael McGuire says

   July 11, 2018 at 8:15 pm

   My father lived an extraordinary life during an extraordinary time. He lived through the Great Depression as a youngster and entered the United States Marines as a minor with his parents permission and blessing. As part of America’s greatest generation he served our country proudly during WWII. He didn’t talk much about his service, but when he did they were always colorful stories that highlighted the many friendships he built in that difficult period.
   My father was a man’s man and a cowboy in every sense of the word. He worked as a cowboy in Colorado and eventually found the job of his lifetime in the Denver Stockyards. He loved the job, the people and his loyal dog that was always by his side. When my father said “if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life”, he meant it and learned that from personal experience. If there are cattle in heaven, he is moving them through the sale alley from dawn to dusk.
   Time marched on and the sale of cattle at the Stockyards ended. He took his skills as a salesman and put it to use in several industries, always staying close to cattle and the ranching industry. Whether it was panels and gates, free choice minerals, or barbed wire, he excelled in every endeavor. He was absolutely a road warrior and built relationships wherever he traveled in the western United States.
   John was the father of Daniel Joseph, Therese Joan, Kathleen Mary, and me, all surviving. Together we have produced 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Like so many others, there were difficult family changes that strained many relationships. He found a great partner and friend in Carol and with his faith he moved forward trying to restore relationships and find peace in his life. He did just that!
   Well done, Dad! You always were, and always will be, my hero. I love and miss you so much.

3. Anna casagranda says

   August 31, 2022 at 8:07 pm

   John was a good friend of clyde and Anna