Robert Allen ‘Mac’ McGuire
Published 4:00 pm Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Sept. 16, 1926 – Dec. 7, 2004
Bob McGuire died Dec. 7 at Country Spice Nursing Home in John Day where he had been a resident for the past 2 years. He was 78.
There will be a potluck memorial service Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. at the John Day Senior Center.
He was born Sept. 16, 1926, to Stephen and Maisie (Vetter) McGuire in Ennis, Mont. He graduated from Ennis High School at 16 years of age and received a basketball scholarship to Montana State, but joined the Army instead and completed 10 years of service. He received his bachelor’s from Eastern Montana College of Education, attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, received his Master’s from New Mexico Highlands University and was a Doctorate Candidate at the University of Wisconsin.
He taught at schools in Neihart, Bridger, Dodson and Cut Bank, Mont., before moving to John Day with his wife Robin and their five children in 1967. He taught at Grant Union High School from 1967 to 1979 where his students simply referred to him as ‘Mac,’ a nickname that stuck with him the rest of his life. While at Grant Union he taught science, chemistry, physics and the very first computer class using a Wang Computer. He coached flag football, basketball and track, and was instrumental in getting the original asphalt track installed at Grant Union in 1974. After leaving John Day, he taught at Triangle Lake High School for several years before he retired.
He was married to Robin McGuire for 20 years and they had five children. They divorced in 1978.
Survivors include his six children, Rick McGuire of Bend, Kathy Stinnett of John Day, Laurie Stinnett of Canyon City, Karin Cross of Colorado Springs, Colo., Steve McGuire of Canyon City and Kelly Hart of Los Angeles, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; one brother, Dick McGuire of Ennis, Mont.; and one sister, Bernice McDonald of Billings, Mont.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters.
Memorial contributions can be made to Grant Union High School in Mac’s name for use in upkeep and improvements to the athletic field and track.
