Mark D. McGuire

1950 - 2012

Mark D. McGuire, "Mac," passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, in Ojai.

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, Alaska.; 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 May 5, 1950, in Long Beach, Calif., the family then moved to Ojai in 1954 where Mark was a lifelong resident. He 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 173rd 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, it was still a daily part of his life, he established many relationships with men in his unit that continue 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 1970s with Industrial Tools Incorporated (I.T.I.) located in Ojai. Mark worked as a machinist/tool maker for 30 plus 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 Mark's honor.

There will be a celebration of life for Mark on Saturday, May 19, in Ojai. Please visit mark-mcguire.forevermissed.com for more information.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home.