Daniel Michael McGuire

1942 - 2017

Daniel Michael McGuire, 74, of Bakersfield, CA, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2017. Dan was born on December 10, 1942, the son of James D. and Dorothy (Mikesell) McGuire, in Lafayette, Indiana, where he graduated from Central Catholic High School. He lived in Lafayette until 1981, when he moved to California and remained until his death.
Dan is survived by the light of his life, Amy, his wife of 14 years; brother Patrick (wife Peg), of DeMotte, IN; daughters Joy Jarvis (husband Mark) of Lafayette, IN and Angela Trop (husband Jeff), of Winfield, PA; son Michael (wife Sharon) of Bloomington, IN; stepson Troy, of Orlando, FL; and seven grandchildren: Aubrey and Adam; Corey and Keenan; and Garrett, Drew, and Chase.
Dan was known for being a man of music. In Lafayette, he opened McGuire Music in 1971, a retail musical instrument company that is still open. He owned the bar and restaurant Magoo's from 1979-1981. He played music from the age of 7 until just before his death, starting out on the accordion then switching to keyboard. He played in the bands Dan McGuire and Friends (which he led at age 18) and The Dan McGuire Trio in Lafayette, and the Fat Daddy's Blues Band and the John Hollins Band in Bakersfield. Dan loved performing at the Crystal Palace and the Pyrenees Cafe and was a big hit on First Fridays with Ken Fahsbender at the Guild House.
After moving to California, Dan became a nationally recognized, award-winning sales representative for St. Louis Music Supply, where he built his territory throughout the Southwest and Hawaii. He retired in 2005 after working in music sales in various capacities for more than 20 years.
In retirement, he found a new love in writing, both songs and books. Dan published two novels, kept a regular blog he called "Bako Heat," participated in writing contests, and was presented the Jack London Award from the Writers of Kern, where he served on the board. He was a strong supporter and board member of Bakersfield Community Concert Association and was also active in leading local music events, organizing concerts, and attending Amy's many violin performances.
Seeing the need for help in education, Dan volunteered weekly in a second grade classroom at Cesar Chavez Elementary School for many years. He listened to children read and made great efforts to connect with them.
Dan did everything to the fullest extent, with passion and determination, whether it was his first job digging and selling grub worms as a youngster or learning to play a new keyboard. His favorite mottos, which he lived by, were "always keep moving forward" and "all of our experiences in life make us who we are today." Dan will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Celebration of Life and Music will be held at the Crystal Palace, Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. Call 661-328-7560 for reservations. In lieu of flowers, please donate to
KCMEA.org
Music Scholarship Fund or
Bakersfieldcca.org
or the charity of your choice.