Mark D. McGuire, "Mac" passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, in Ojai, California.
Mark was preceded in death by his father William McGuire. He is survived by his mother, Marjorie McGuire, Sister Kathy Sexton (Husband Ron) of Soldotna AK, and brothers, Chris (Wife Kim) Jeff, and Brian all of Ojai. He also leaves behind his two children Dane McGuire (wife Amber) and Megan McGuire of Camarillo. Along with several nieces and nephews.
Born on May 5, 1950, in Long Beach, the family then moved to Ojai in 1954 where Mark has been a lifelong resident. Mark attended schools in the Ojai Valley, graduating from Nordhoff High School in 1968.
After High School, Mark enlisted in the U.S Army where he became a member of the Elite 173d Airborne Brigade. He was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War earning several medals, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device Combat Infantryman's Badge, Parachute Badge and Air Medal.
Vietnam did not end for him upon his return as it was still a daily part of his life. He established many relationships with men in his unit that continued to this day. He held these relationships in the highest regard.
Upon returning home from Vietnam, he worked as a mechanic at Lake Casitas Boat Rental for a number of years. He also ran Heavy Equipment for the Operating Engineers Union.
He then entered the Machinist Trade in the late 1970’s with Industrial Tools Incorporated (I.T.I.) located in Ojai. Mark worked as a Machinist/Tool Maker for 30+ years working for various Machine Shops in the County throughout his career.
Mark was a member of the VFW Hall of Ojai where he had many good friends. He was also a past member of the Upper Ojai Sheriff Search and Rescue Team.
Being an avid outdoorsman, he loved to hike, fish, kayak, shoot, and explore. Other interests included boats and cars of all types.
Mark was a clever craftsman who enjoyed building and machining custom models in his workshop.
His latest passion was shopping EBay for many different sorts of treasures. One dream that he was not able to fulfill was to open his own “Man Cave” antique store, which he had already built an extensive inventory.
Mark was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life, good friends and good times. He will be dearly missed by his family as well as the many friends he has made throughout his lifetime.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the VFW hall of Ojai in Marks Honor.
There will be a Celebration of life for Mark on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. in the afternoon.
Location: Soule Park (Site #4)
1301 Soule Park Road
Ojai, CA 93023
*Reminder - There is a $4.00 per car charge to park inside the park*
Please RSVP to amcguire07@gmail.com by May 14, 2012.
If you have any questions or would like to contribute a side dish or dessert for the reception, please email amcguire07@gmail.com or kim@mountainviewmtg.com.
Tributes
Leave a tributeThis is Alpha 7. I’ll meet you later where the trail crosses the blue line.
Wait for me. I’ll join you eventually, when my tour of duty here on earth ends. I will never forget you or forsake you.
Alpha 7, out.
The "boys" of the 1st platoon still remember you and miss you.
You and your radio were our lifeline to artillery and air support when
we were in trouble. Many of us would have died, but for your competence,
confidence, and courage. We owe you, big time.
Sleep well, my friend,
Tom "Sgt. K" Kaulukukui
Kailua, Hawaii
Same date as your Celebration of Life 5/19/2012
Your Pal JIM
We'll all reunite after her our final mission when we all return
to the Last Firebase.
Pop smoke when you hear our inbound choppers.
Alpha 7, OUT.
Sgt. K
1st. Plt, A Co., 3/503d, 173d Airborne Brigade
Walt Baker( or as you called me "Shake n' Bake")
Brett turns 6 years old today!! He know’s all bout you! The leaves in our sycamore tree are starting to pop out. I know how you said you loved watching the wind blowing through the leaves when it gets full from your mom and dads old house. Can’t believe it’s been 6 years but then when I saw my 6 year old today, well, he’s proof!
Still miss having you guys in the neighborhood!!
Hold the high ground until we get there.
We'll see you when we see you.
Aloha
Sgt. K
1st Platoon of Alpha
if you get a chance show me a SIGN
You have truly been missed the past three years and especially by your family. Our family gatherings on holidays are just not complete without you.
Your sweet mother Margie has joined you recently. She will be dearly missed too. We loved you both!
(Kim's parents)
Ben and Ann Gannon
It's hard to believe it's been two years already! Our awesome little boy is a constant reminder since today he turns two years old. Wish you could have met him, I know you would have gotten a kick out of him. Until we meet again and have a cold one waiting for me up there!
Love You
Pam
do.." as they flew rampant around your place, refusing to go back into their cage.I cherish the memories.
Love You
Pam And Bruce
I was honored to call you friend, comrade, brother and a fellow skysoldier. You are and will be missed by all who knew you. A soldiers soldier, one of the best.
Buddy
can't believe its been a year we think of you so much. you are in are thoughts every day. there is not a day that goes by that we don't think of you. Love and Miss you so much
Pam and Bruce
Leave a Tribute
This is Alpha 7. I’ll meet you later where the trail crosses the blue line.
Wait for me. I’ll join you eventually, when my tour of duty here on earth ends. I will never forget you or forsake you.
Alpha 7, out.
Please be patient.
![Brian Mcguire](https://video.forevermissed.com/lst/m/a/mark-mcguire/v/0122798_105790.jpg)
![www.eaglefieldofhonor.org](https://photo.forevermissed.com/lst/m/a/mark-mcguire/p/0122788_235x235_83fb94.jpg)
![Field of Honor](https://photo.forevermissed.com/lst/m/a/mark-mcguire/p/0122786_235x235_83fb94.jpg)
![In memory of our great friend, Mark McGuire, his flag flies front and center at the Field of Honor, Eagle, ID. We will have you and our family in our thoughts on the 19th in celebration of your life. We love and miss you! The Stanford Family.](https://photo.forevermissed.com/lst/m/a/mark-mcguire/p/0122785_235x235_83fb94.jpg)
![" I DON'T DO KARAOKE!"](https://photo.forevermissed.com/lst/m/a/mark-mcguire/p/0122262_235x235_83fb94.jpg)
![... "I STILL DON'T DO KARAOKE!"](https://photo.forevermissed.com/lst/m/a/mark-mcguire/p/0122261_235x235_4047e6.jpg)
![Memorial for Lu 016](https://photo.forevermissed.com/lst/m/a/mark-mcguire/p/0119526_235x235_83fb94.jpg)
![Memorial for Lu 021](https://photo.forevermissed.com/lst/m/a/mark-mcguire/p/0119525_235x235_83fb94.jpg)
![Honor Guard](https://photo.forevermissed.com/lst/m/a/mark-mcguire/p/0119524_235x235_83fb94.jpg)
Commo check
Mark,
This is Alpha 7. Commo check. I read you lickin chickin. Continue to recon your AO until the rest of us link up with you at resupply. You got an early out and you ETS-ed. You are freely roaming your favorite hills, traveling light without the burden your ruck or radio. When you stop to take a rest, bust out some peaches and pound cake for old times sake. Bless you, my friend.
Alpha 7, out.
THANK YOU MY BROTHER MARK
My Dearest Brother Mark , I would like to thank you for the life we had together , I learned so many thing's threw out my life from you , You where there for every Crazy Thing i Built and Raced , The fun we had Camping and Water Skiing , Motorcycle Riding , Just hanging out and Bull Shitting with each other , It is all Priceless to me , I will miss you my Big Brother , Tell we meet again , I LOVE YOU.
YOUR LITTLE BROTHER BRIAN