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Joe McGuire Obituary

Our beloved Big Joe McGuire took his leave of us Christmas morning, Friday, Dec. 25, 2010, having made his rounds, waving and joking at Mission View Health Center in San Luis Obispo.  He had had enough of hospitals and convalescence, and he knew we were all OK. He had devoted his life to other people with the dream of teaching understanding, compassion and equality for all. He believed in everybody. Joe graduated from Tucson High School in 1961 and earned his master''s degree from Sacramento State University. He was proud to have served as a U.S. Marine from 1961 to 1964. He made friends and fans at the schools where he taught, mostly for the Migrant Education Program in Davis and Guadalupe, Calif.  The kindness of so many is greatly appreciated.  Joe is survived by his best friend and former wife, Sydney Akerstein; son and light of his life, Jake McGuire (28); and the apple of his eye, daughter, Duffy McGuire (26). He was a devoted son to his mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Brown and father, Arthur Joseph "Mickey" McGuire Sr. He leaves behind his older brother, Chris (Carol) with their children and grandchildren; younger sister, Emily Adorable (Andy) and their kids and grandkids; and his dear friend, Dorikins. His huge heart encompassed countless life-long friends that he considered his family from Tucson, Ariz., to Los Angeles, Sacramento and Arroyo Grande.   We will be gathering to celebrate his life at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, at La Perla, 205 Windward Ave. in Pismo Beach. Please join us with warm memory to share. Feel free to contact Jake at (646) 431-3693.

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

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Dec. 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Joe McGuire

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Jake McGuire

January 13, 2011

Thank you all for your beautiful words and memories. It really means a lot to me to hear such fond memories of my dad, he was an amazing man as long as I knew him and long before I met him for that matter. I would love to hear more of the stories, my email is [email protected] and my cell # is 646-431-3693. Love you pop!

Walt Johnson

January 5, 2011

I knew Joe in the Delta Chi fraternity house in Tucson. What a great guy with a laugh that filled the room. He traveled with me to play in a football game that was held every year in my hometown just after Thanksgiving and wore high school pads with my Dad's work coveralls over the pads. When he went out on the field, the opposing team thought he was a professional wrestler and didn't think he had any pads on! I also convinced Joe that I could cut hair and did so for him prior to a sorority formal that he was invited to. Needless to say, I butchered him and hid for about three days until he forgave me. I wish I could have seen more of Joe over the years since and will never forget his infectious laugh and presence. I forwarded this obit notice to my fraternity brothers around the country and they are all profoundly sad to hear of his passing. I've never met the children, but would like to.
I'll have to look, but I do have some old fraternity pictures with Joe in them. When I find them, I will send them if you give me a contact.

Penny LeGrand

January 5, 2011

I am sorry to hear the news about Joe. My heart aches for you/family. I can tell by the obit that he has not changed one bit from when he was a kid at THS with his winning smile and silly jokes (loved 'em). My sincerest sympaty, Penny Hopkins LeGrand. Tucson, AZ

Dan Murphy

January 5, 2011

Dear Sydney, Jake, and Duffy,

Your Joe surely had his wonderful qualities dating back to at least the 8th grade, when I met him. I was a newcomer to Tucson midway through the 8th grade in 1957, and by lunch time on my first day of school, I already knew Joe. It was his outgoing warmth and interest in a new face that made the connection. I've never forgotten that! His were qualities worth emulating.

Freshman year at Tucson High found us together in Mrs. Murolo's Latin class. Boy, did Joe spice up the study of an otherwise "dead" language! Joe didn't waste any time, either. He began on the first day, when Mrs. M asked us to introduce ourselves, one by one. Mrs. M, while multilingual, was genuinely and fiercely Italian, and the rhythm of introductions was broken by one Charles Tarenelli, the only owner of an Italian surname in the class. He had "Americanized" his last name to "Tar-en-elly," pronounced almost as a single syllable. In a heartbeat, Mrs. M pounced on his pronunciation and somewhat chastised him for ignoring his Italian roots. Then, with great fanfare and gusto, she pronounced his name, correctly, as "Ta-din-hey-li!" (My written attempt here does it little justice!) Pity Charles, already embarrassed and having to repeat his own name correctly over and over!

To the rescue came Joe, belly laughing and exclaiming, "TA-DIN-HEY-LI" several times in, well, you know Joe's voice! Mrs. M broke stride and turned her attentions to Joe, sparing Charles from further punishment.

For the rest of Freshman year, I occasionally heard "TA-DIN-HEY-LI" echoing through the hallways, and I knew that Charles had come within eyeshot of Joe!

Joe's support was always warm and genuine, and his humor was always self-depreciating and never at the expense of another. You, and all who have ever encountered him, have been Blessed by his life.

January 5, 2011

Joe, along with Leonel Bravo convinced me to join the Marine Corps in 1961 at 17 years old. He was admired and loved by me, my mother and father, because he reached out with real love and friendship. Semper Fi! Alex Price

Jerry Gin

January 5, 2011

Joe was a great guy. His sparkling personality will be missed. I always enjoyed seeing him at THS.
Jerry Gin

Carole Knapp-McGuire

January 5, 2011

I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing.

My heart weeps for your loss.

Peg Bowden

January 5, 2011

My day always went better at Tucson High after I bumped into Joe in the hallway going to class. He had some outrageous joke or quip to share with me, and it made high school a lot of fun. I have thought about Joe often over the years, and am so sorry to hear of his passing. I will keep memories of Joe in my heart. --Peg Bowden

Bruce Toro

January 5, 2011

Joe always had a happy heart and a unforgettable laugh.I will always remember his friendship as we grew up together in Tucson,Arizona. God bless Joe and his family.

Dave Mail

January 5, 2011

Joe was one of my best memories of Tucson High School. I am sorry to hear of his passing.

January 4, 2011

Jake, Duffy and Sydney-your Joe will be in so many peoples' lives and hearts for much longer than you can know. His laugh could brighten up not just a room but the whole house. He had so many intense qualities and could read others' emotions almost before they knew them. He was unafraid of life, a quality I think he's passed on to both of his children. May you carry his warmth and love always.
-Kay B and KB jr ( a term first invented by your dad)

Victoria & Jim Lowrie

January 2, 2011

We knew him just the last 10 years or so but he always had a good word each time we saw him. He was especially proud of his Jake & Duffy. Though he will be missed you carry him closer in your heart for the rest of your lives.
God Bless you.

Jane & Bruce Lloyd

December 31, 2010

As we grow older, there are people who come and go in our lives, some impact our lives, others we can hardly remember; some are angels pretending to be human, some are just devils; few people are kindred spirits, most people are not. Joe was one of those few people who my husband and I knew immediately was a very special person, kind and gentle, sincere in his word and friendship. He touched our hearts in so many ways and I'll bet he didn't even realize it, cause that was just the kind of guy he was. We will miss him but are so glad he is "dancing" once again. Feel good Joe!

April McGuire

December 31, 2010

Jake and Duffy,
We are so sad and were so shocked to hear of Uncle Joe's passing. Please know that we are thinking of you during this time. He was truly a kind and sweet soul. May God comfort your hearts during this difficult time.

Ted, April and the kids

Christine Taylor

December 30, 2010

Jake and Duffy,
My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow, I understand how hard it is to lose a parent. I knew your Father only through Holidays and family reunions on Buena Vista Street where I was lucky enough to have grown up with your Mother and your Aunt Meredith. Joe was always kind to me, fun to talk with and always made me laugh. It does not surprise me that in his last hours he was spreading good cheer to others.
May he rest in peace and may your fondest memories ease your sorrow. Hugs from the Taylor's and the Witt's.

shante maldonado

December 30, 2010

he was such a sweet and caring person he will be missed by so many he was so devoted to his family

Meredith Akerstein

December 30, 2010

He moves on to new adventures with his hand and heart extended in friendship. He will be missed.

Shannon Lowrie

December 30, 2010

I will miss his constant ability to surprise me and his genuine love for his family and ours!

Parker & Maya Lowrie

December 30, 2010

Xox's

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