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 tributedish full for all those "gremlins" at your door.., the purple lights and pumpkin faces all lit up in anticipation, yeah, those Mars Bars...hmm..
you always had plenty left over.. we miss you, and I miss your smile...
the emptiness that I feel--- I'm so sorry you left us so soon, at the same
time--I understand. I just hope you knew how much you were Loved...
We think of you everyday. You are missed so much.I can't even tell you how much. I Miss seeing you on our couch when I come home from work. You Left us too soon. I know you are looking down on everyone and keeping us safe. We Love and miss you.Pam and Bruce
in my Heart.
Jannell
"All gave some, Some gave all"
Higgy
Your service to our Country was very impressive, and clearly left some scars. Again, it was nice being associated with you. You will be missed by all your friends at the VFW..
The Poulis Family - Neighbors and friends for many years
and completely trustworthy. He carried the radio, so he was our
lifeline to our resupply, medevac, air support and to the world outside of the jungle. We will all miss him.
Was my friend and comrade for over 40 years. We served in Viet Nam together and just as he I was an rto. His voice was the voice that sent diretion and hope to us in the jungle. I have kept in touch and enjoyed our conversations for many years. Gathering with him at Reunions and other Platoon gatherings has been a joy and honor.
Rest in peace our friend!
Ben and Ann Gannon
For everything you have done in your life came with pain, and happiness. These marks have left many people glad to know you as a kind man to all. May you rest in peace all that you have shouldered. It was an honor knowing you sir. Your Friend.
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
In the primal sympathy
Which having been must ever be;
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.
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