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Alexander McGuiggan Obituary


Alexander Charles McGuiggan, 20, born Jan. 14, 1989, died unexpectedly on Feb. 22, 2009 in Boulder, CO while a student at the University of Colorado. A graduate of New Trier High School (Class of 2007), Alex cherished his poetry, his music and "his" mountains. A loyal friend, Alex was known for his gentle kindness, perceptiveness, and deep empathy and sense of fairness. A devoted son and brother, he closed even simple text messages with a "Love you". Alex's untimely death leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of his parents, Michael McGuiggan and Jill Fischer; and his sister, Lauren McGuiggan of Winnetka, IL. He will also be deeply

missed by his paternal grandparents, Dr. Charles and Dorothy McGuiggan, of Spicer, MN (formerly Marshall, MN) and Mesa, AZ; six aunts and six uncles; and 14 cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Earl and Jean Fischer of Bloomington, MN. Visitation Friday, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Christ Church, Winnetka (Church on the Hill), 784 Sheridan Road, (at Humbodlt Ave.) Winnetka, with a lunch reception to follow. Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to Relay for Life (New Trier High School chapter) in Alex's memory. Go to the website at http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/ and select "New Trier Event". Please email your favorite memories and photos of Alex to [email protected]. Info:

847-675-1990; www.donnellanfuneral.com



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 26, 2009.

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Cynthia McKinney-Williams

March 17, 2009

I am very sad to hear of the passing of Alex. I worked with Mike from 1988 until 1999 and not a day went by that he did not talk about Alex and Lauren.
May each passing day create a loving memory of Alex

Judy and John Gellhausen

March 11, 2009

We are so very sorry about the heartbreaking passing of Alex. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Kerry Kanak ( Sovie)

March 5, 2009

I always have had wonderful memories of Alex and Lauren when they were younger. What astonishing kids you have and how very very sad I am to hear that Alex has passed.
He was funny, sweet, intuitive, smart, friendly, talented, and kind. I had the pleasure of caring for him when he was 11 yrs old and knew then he was bound for greatness. It was apparent that he was extremely loved and nurtured by his wonderful parents, and because of his upbringing and the child that he was, I am sure that his short life was filled with happiness, ambition, love and fulfillment.
I am praying for your family and wish you God's love and support to get through your awful tragedy
I am so so sorry about Alex. My heart is very heavy.
God Bless you

Lisa Kirkpatrick (from the old Barex Group in Cleveland)

March 2, 2009

I can't imagine how painful this must be for you and your family. May the love of those around you and the love of God, help you through the days ahead. You are all in my prayers during this time.

Joanne, Andy and Marc Weiss

March 1, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of Alex. A great kid- fast skater, knew how to put the puck in the net, and fun on any team. The years go by quickly- our deepest sympathy to your family.

February 28, 2009

Jill, Mike, and Lauren,
Alex was a unique and strong child. So unique, perhaps that God needed him more than we did. I had him in school for one year in Shaker Heights and have thought about him often. how sad I was to read about his passing in the Plain Dealer. We will treasure the memories of this outstanding child and pray for your comfort. He definitely impacted MY life.

February 28, 2009

Dear Mcguiggan Family,
We are so sorry for your loss of Alex.
Please know you are in our thoughts.
With Sincere Sympathy,

Tori Bushard Birkeland and Amy Bushard Hove

Terry/Kathryn Frazee

February 27, 2009

Kathryn and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. You are two strong people, as your Dad/Mother are Mike. All of Green Lake will be with you each minute during these very difficult days. May God Bless each of you.

Marci Cohen &family

February 27, 2009

Mike, Jill and Lauren,
What a tragic loss! I think fondly of Dan and Alex playing at the Music Settlement and continuing on to Shaker Hockey. I think often of the friendship they had. I, too, lost friends when you guys moved away. I wish I could offer some words of comfort. You are in our thoughts.
Marci

Charlie Flagg

February 27, 2009

May you find a new level of peace in your lives as only those of us who have given up a beautiful son such as Alex...and our Graham...formerly a student at CU,as well. With sincerest sympathies Jill and Charlie Flagg Hudson, Ohio

Linda Wirtanen

February 27, 2009

I did not know your son but I lost my brother when he was very young and know how you are feeling. Please know that time and memories will make the pain easier. It will never go away but it does get easier. Keep your son in the daily thoughts and conversations. He is watching over you now.

Tracy & CURE

February 27, 2009

Dear Jill and Family,

We are so, so sorry. Please know you are loved and we are here for you.

February 26, 2009

Dear Mike and Family
I was saddened to hear the loss of your precious Son. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. God bless you
Chris paparizos(Willoughby Ohio)

Jeff Foshee

February 26, 2009

Dear Mike and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. We will continue to have you in our daily prayers.

Kimberly & Tom Brya

February 26, 2009

Dearest Jill and Mike, words cannot begin to express our sorrow. Alex was such a delightful part of Daniel's growing up in Winnetka. He was such a joy to be around. Even as our hearts ache, we will remind ourselves of the gift that was Alex and that he was in our lives to start with. Our prayers are with you and Lauren. We know that God is with you and holding you gently in the palm of His hand and breathing softly on you to give you comfort and peace. Daniel is flying in and we will see you Friday night and Saturday. With all our hearts and all our love, Kimberly and Tom Brya and Daniel Crowe

George Salem

February 26, 2009

Mike and family,

Susan and I are saddened to hear of your tragic loss. While never having met Alex, I could only imagine how wonderful of a son he was knowing his parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless and peace.

Rick Farmer

February 26, 2009

McGuiggan Family,

I was a friend of Alex's back at Washburne and New Trier. My heart broke when I heard what happened. Though I am sure it is impossible to hear now, I hope you can take some solace in knowing how wonderful of a son you raised. He was good to all of his friends and we will all miss him so much.

David and Annie Najarian

February 26, 2009

Dear Jill, Mike, and Lauren,
We are so sad to know of the loss of that uniquely wonderful person in your life, your beautiful Alex. Please know that we will hold you, and all of your family, in our hearts and prayers.
Most sincerely,
Annie and David Najarian
NTRC Wilmette, Il

Susan Liddi

February 26, 2009

Mike,

I am so very sorry to hear about your terrible loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan Arcus

February 26, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Alex was a great kid!

Alex's 7th & 8th grade math teacher
Susan Arcus

John & Louise Quam

February 26, 2009

We were in Lombard visiting our son Joel, when we saw Alexander's obituary. We are very sorry to read of his sudden death. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

John and Lisa Jones - NTRC

February 26, 2009

Dear McGuiggan Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your precious son. We will remember him and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Terry Mazanec

February 26, 2009

Mike and family,
My condolences on this tragic loss. Cindy and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
-Terry

Sheila Dzurik

February 26, 2009

Mike,

I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I cannot even imagine how hard it must be for you and your family. Take care of yourself and cherish all the memories that will make you smile again in the future.

Sheila

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