Obituary
It is with deep sadness that the family of Art McGuire announce his passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on July 4, 2020 in his 88th year after a lengthy illness. Art was a dearly loved man by all who knew him and will be missed greatly. Art is survived by his wife Claire (Callaghan), daughter Karen and son-in-law Mike Gallagher, and grandchildren Jane, Sarah and Julianna of Georgetown, Ontario. Also survived by loving family members Mary Lou and Kevin Smith, Ann Patriquen, Irene Maillet, Madeline and John McGuire, and many wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his beautiful daughter Beth, son-in-law Stephen Albans, brother Lou McGuire, parents John and Hazel McGuire, parents-in-law Ronald and Agnes Callaghan, family members David and Kay Callaghan, and Sister Nora Kelly.
Art was raised in Pokiok and developed his love for the water from his early days. In 1961, Art married the love if his life Claire and had just celebrated their 59th year of marriage. Art loved his job as an electrician working at E.S. Stephenson, the dry dock, and Universal Sales, specializing in motor rewind. Throughout his career, Art gained the opportunity to wire frigates and go on sea trials.
During Art’s life, he was very involved in the community. Art was a speed skating coach for both of his daughters at the Saint John Speed Skating Club and was an international starter for speed skating meets. Art was incredibly talented with his hands and could build anything. Art built replicas of fishing boats and the Saint John River boats, namely the D.J. Purdy and the Majestic to scale and from scratch. These projects gained attention from local newspapers as well as the New Brunswick Museum for his capacity to capture the essence of the boats. At home, Art loved his workshop and built a great deal of furniture, jewelry boxes, and clocks all for the purposes of giving them to others.
Art was a life-time member of the Saint John Model Flying Club, and built and flew multiple planes with ease. He greatly cherished the comradery of the Saint John Model Flying Club and always welcomed new members. Art was also a member of the Harbour Skating Club and loved his weekly skates as well as all the events pertaining to his membership. Art was an exceptional bowler and was a member of various bowling clubs and was regularly noticed in the papers for his high scores.
When Art retired, he took up long-distance cycling and was responsible for establishing a group of people who were able to share their passion for cycling all over Southern New Brunswick. One of his favourite hobbies at home was to make wine, primarily for the purposes of giving it away. It was not uncommon for Art to deliver a bottle to anyone (store clerk, family member or neighbour) who had done a kind deed because he loved making others smile.
All who knew Art were entertained by his interactive storytelling of his youth, and history. Above all, his favourite thing to do was to spend time with his family and grandchildren. Art traveled many times to Ontario to visit with his family and loved when they came home to Saint John. Art was a family man and heavily devoted to his wife, Claire (his “Lovely Rose of Clare”), and often expressed how fortunate he was for his sons-in-law, Mike and Steve. Art will be incredibly missed and remembered for his kindness, gratitude, sincerity, and love for others.
We would like to extend our thanks to the exceptional nurses of the Palliative Care unit in the Saint John Regional Hospital. As well as the care Art received in his extended stay at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Our most special thanks to Dr. William and Alisa O’Brien, who unfailingly were always there for Art. Particular recognition to Extra Mural, both of West Saint John and Quispamsis, and for the outstanding staff at Shannex Parkland in the Valley. The greatest appreciation for close friends Doulas and Barbara Shepard for their never-ending support.
For those who wish, remembrances to the Canadian Cancer Society or Romero House in honour of Art would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home 230 Westmorland Rd, Saint John, NB (646-2424).As a result of COVID restrictions, a private mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Monday, July 13, 2020 by invitation only.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Arthur McGuire July 31 1932 July 4 2020 (age 87)..
Death notice for the town of: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick