We created a GatheringUs memorial page to celebrate the life of Dan McGuire.
Collecting your stories, photos and memories here will offer us great comfort.
Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
It is with great sadness the family of Daniel James McGuire announces his passing on Saturday, December 12/2020 at Lakeshore Care Centre in Coquitlam BC, at the age of 88 from Covid-19.
Dan is mourned by his large and extended family including his partner June Gallagher, his six children Laureen Barker (Vern Barker), Janet McGuire, Jack McGuire (Paula Wild), Marcia McCafferty (John McCafferty), Tara McGuire (Cam Mollard), Kevin... see more
It is with great sadness the family of Daniel James McGuire announces his passing on Saturday, December 12/2020 at Lakeshore Care Centre in Coquitlam BC, at the age of 88 from Covid-19.
Dan is mourned by his large and extended family including his partner June Gallagher, his six children Laureen Barker (Vern Barker), Janet McGuire, Jack McGuire (Paula Wild), Marcia McCafferty (John McCafferty), Tara McGuire (Cam Mollard), Kevin McGuire (Erin Wright) and their mother Yvonne McGuire, his many grandchildren, Lena MacMillan (Duncan MacMillan), Carly McConnachie (Travis McConnachie), Evan McGuire, Molly van Leusden (Derek van Leusden), Patrick McCafferty, Sean McCafferty, and Lyla Mollard, and his great grand children, Jeremy, Blake and Corbin MacMillan, Owen, Clayton and Elliot McConnachie, and Eli, Simon and Nia van Leusden, his siblings, Maureen, Brian (Carol), Jack (Daphne), Sheila (Neil), Larry (Shirley), and Mike (Nancy). Dan was pre-deceased by his grandson Holden, his brother Patrick and many other dear family members and friends.
Dan was born November 23,1932 in Radville, Saskatchewan to Janet (neé Cowden) and Ernest McGuire. The oldest child of a large and busy family of eight children, Dan was a promising student and athlete. He attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon where he became a mechanical engineer. During this time he met Yvonne (neé Box) and they were married in 1955. His career took the McGuires and their growing family to many parts of Canada including stops in Toronto where he worked for De Havilland, Edmonton and finally to Vancouver where they settled in Port Moody and their family grew to include six children.
The largest part of Dan’s career was spent with BC Gas where he took on many challenges locally as the Manager of the Plant and Measurement Department and internationally as a member of the International Gas Union.
Dan enjoyed travelling, winemaking, photography, classical music, running marathons and cross country skiing but it was in long distance cycling that he found his true passion. As a founding member of the Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society and the BC Randonneurs Cycling Club he completed many long and arduous rides including the famous 1,200 km Paris-Brest-Paris ride on three separate occasions. Through cycling he met June Gallagher, they became partners in 1990 and the two were inseparable from then on. In 2014 at the age of 81, as his Parkinsons Disease became more of a hindrance Dan completed a 10,000 km circumnavigation of Canada’s farthest corners. Dan was happiest on his bike.
A celebration of Dan’s extraordinary life will be held virtually on Saturday, January 23/2021 at 3:00pm PST. Details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Society BC are gratefully appreciated. https://www.parkinson.bc.ca/
Dan was a wonderful man, and I consider myself lucky to have know him for almost forty years.
Although I lost touch with him a number of years ago, I have fond memories of thousands of kilometers ridden in his company throughout British Columbia and... moreDan was a wonderful man, and I consider myself lucky to have know him for almost forty years.
Although I lost touch with him a number of years ago, I have fond memories of thousands of kilometers ridden in his company throughout British Columbia and Washington state during randonneur events; I have fond memories of the tour we did across British Columbia in the early 1980's, all of which was organized by Dan; I have fond memories of Dan chastising me for half-wheeling on more than one occasion and for not being prepared with more than one water bottle during a ride we did together (I learnt my lesson quickly and only made this mistake once); I have fond memories of our chats over breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, not always between lengthy periods in the saddle; I have fond memories of listening to music together; and I have many fond memories of having a glass of beer or wine, including Dan's own, together. Thanks, Dan.
Dan was an inspiration to me, as I'm sure he was to so many others. My condolences go out to June and Dan's family on their loss of this very special person. less
Port Coqutilam's Dan McGuire was one of the founding members of the BC Randonneurs, a quirky group of cyclists dedicated to pedalling long distances. He passed away Dec. 12.
Our condolences and thoughts are with June and the McGuire family.
I was quite affected by Dan's passing and so much so that I had to go and find some images that I knew I had from the 1980's when I began cycling with the group.
Dan led a group of 5... moreOur condolences and thoughts are with June and the McGuire family.
I was quite affected by Dan's passing and so much so that I had to go and find some images that I knew I had from the 1980's when I began cycling with the group.
Dan led a group of 5 including me - in Holland and Germany on our way to Paris in 1986. We cycled through those countries together.
In Holland, we had a significant incident (read "crash") in which Dan "nerfed" another cyclist right off the road, sending this hapless individual right off the road.
As it happened we five were in a loose pace line cruising along through the Dutch countryside at about 25kph, approaching a curve to the right, and with a hedgerow blocking our long view.
A Dutch cyclist on approach on the wrong side of the road suddenly appeared and then attempted to "weave" his way through our pace line. He got past the first cyclist, Norm Brodie but couldn't clear Dan, who promptly and quickly dispatched him into the weeds with a glancing shoulder check.
All turned out well because as I understand Dutch just enough to understand that the hapless victim was on his way to the hospital anyway for an appointment regarding his head.
It turned out that this man was returning for an appointment regarding a recent surgery and also, that no one was seriously impacted by the event. Kudos Dan.
I'll always know Dan's voice, his dry sense of humour, his "ass" as I followed it for enough kilometers.. and mostly - his dedication to others.
He is surely missed by many of us.
A finer man I'll never know.. We need to do a ride in his memory. It needs to be a long one...
We just attended a zoom memorial for the most wonderful human: Dan McGuire. Dan is pictured here with me in 1991 in Paris at the 100th year anniversary of the 1200km-90hr time limited Paris-Brest-Paris.
Dan called Karen Smith and I in dismay when he... moreWe just attended a zoom memorial for the most wonderful human: Dan McGuire. Dan is pictured here with me in 1991 in Paris at the 100th year anniversary of the 1200km-90hr time limited Paris-Brest-Paris.
Dan called Karen Smith and I in dismay when he heard we were going to attempt PBP on mountain bikes. He warned us of our folly. I told Dan: “We’re students, it’s all we have.” And off we went on our memorable ride of folly.
Shortly after PBP 1991, Dan reached out to me. We had a connection that felt almost like he placed me under his wing like a father-like figure. He told me I needed a more suitable bike for randos and he happened to have an old Cannondale he wasn’t using. I told him I couldn’t possibly take it. He said, consider it a long-term loan. The only condition was that I not ever sell it, which I never did. We made the arrangements. Soon after a letter arrived in my mailbox: inside a note from Dan: “Sold for $1 to Judy Morrison. I’ll front you the loonie, I know you’re good for it.”
I put many happy miles and kms on that bike. Thanks to Dan. Some of them with him and many common friends. It was only just today at his memorial that I discovered Dan was born in 1932. The same year as my Dad. 🥲
Dan, you are one amazing human being that has left this world a better place. I’ll think fondly of you, as your daughter Tara has suggested, when I am riding my bike on some roadway on a sunny day. ♥️
For wonderful insight into Dan, have a listen to Stuart MacLean recount a bit about Dan’s intrepid ride across and up/down Canada to raise funds for and awareness about Parkinson’s Disease, which my Aunt also lives with.
We just attended a zoom memorial for the most wonderful human: Dan McGuire. Dan is pictured here with me in 1991 in Paris at the 100th year anniversary of the 1200km-90hr time limited Paris-Brest-Paris.
Dan called Karen Smith and I in dismay when he... moreWe just attended a zoom memorial for the most wonderful human: Dan McGuire. Dan is pictured here with me in 1991 in Paris at the 100th year anniversary of the 1200km-90hr time limited Paris-Brest-Paris.
Dan called Karen Smith and I in dismay when he heard we were going to attempt PBP on mountain bikes. He warned us of our folly. I told Dan: “We’re students, it’s all we have.” And off we went on our memorable ride of folly.
Shortly after PBP 1991, Dan reached out to me. We had a connection that felt almost like he placed me under his wing like a father-like figure. He told me I needed a more suitable bike for randos and he happened to have an old Cannondale he wasn’t using. I told him I couldn’t possibly take it. He said, consider it a long-term loan. The only condition was that I not ever sell it, which I never did. We made the arrangements. Soon after a letter arrived in my mailbox: inside a note from Dan: “Sold for $1 to Judy Morrison. I’ll front you the loonie, I know you’re... less
We just attended a zoom memorial for the most wonderful human: Dan McGuire. Dan is pictured here with me in 1991 in Paris at the 100th year anniversary of the 1200km-90hr time limited Paris-Brest-Paris.
Dan called Karen Smith and I in dismay when he... moreWe just attended a zoom memorial for the most wonderful human: Dan McGuire. Dan is pictured here with me in 1991 in Paris at the 100th year anniversary of the 1200km-90hr time limited Paris-Brest-Paris.
Dan called Karen Smith and I in dismay when he heard we were going to attempt PBP on mountain bikes. He warned us of our folly. I told Dan: “We’re students, it’s all we have.” And off we went on our memorable ride of folly.
Shortly after PBP 1991, Dan reached out to me. We had a connection that felt almost like he placed me under his wing like a father-like figure. He told me I needed a more suitable bike for randos and he happened to have an old Cannondale he wasn’t using. I told him I couldn’t possibly take it. He said, consider it a long-term loan. The only condition was that I not ever sell it, which I never did. We made the arrangements. Soon after a letter arrived in my mailbox: inside a note from Dan: “Sold for $1 to Judy Morrison. I’ll front you the loonie, I know you’re good for it.”
I put many happy miles and kms on that bike. Thanks to Dan. Some of them with him and many common friends. It was only just today at his memorial that I discovered Dan was born in 1932. The same year as my Dad. 🥲
Dan, you are one amazing human being that has left this world a better place. I’ll think fondly of you, as your daughter Tara has suggested, when I am riding my bike on some roadway on a sunny day. ♥️
For wonderful insight into Dan, have a listen to Stuart MacLean recount a bit about Dan’s intrepid ride across and up/down Canada to raise funds for and awareness about Parkinson’s Disease, which my Aunt also lives with.
Sad to hear about Dan’s passing. We lost a wonderful human being, a tough old guy, a great cyclist. Blessed are we who had the opportunity to meet, cycle, talk and laugh with Dan. I had that luck to cycle with Dan, June, Gerry, Luis, John, Wayne in the... moreSad to hear about Dan’s passing. We lost a wonderful human being, a tough old guy, a great cyclist. Blessed are we who had the opportunity to meet, cycle, talk and laugh with Dan. I had that luck to cycle with Dan, June, Gerry, Luis, John, Wayne in the early 80s.
As I moved around the globe a lot I lost touch with the group, but when I reconnected with Gerry Pareja, I finally managed to sit down again with Dan after 30+ years in Vancouver in 2015. Although his speech was hard to understand, together with Gerry Pareja we looked at some of the old cycling magazines, old Vancouver Bicycle Club newsletters and other mementos I had among my travel diaries from the early 80s which I had brought for Dan to look at. It was a good visit to the memories of the early era of randonneuring in BC. We had a good laugh about some of our trips, that day.
As we talked I heard the story of Dan’s cycling trip to the 4 dirty corners of the Canadian landscape towel. Dan had still one corner of the Canadian towel to finish at the age of 82, the section of Dempster Highway to Inuvik in the Yukon and NWT. It weight heavy on his mind and he wanted to finish the journey, no matter the Parkinson disease that slowly had crippled him over the years. I told Dan I would use my contacts to help organise the road support for Dan’s second attempt.
Getting Dan a motorhome rental so late in the season was a hard task but I managed to convince the CEO of Fraserway RV rental division with whom I worked for a number of years to get him a vehicle. Timing however was difficult. And as we know, Dan could focus intensely on an idea and the tasks that lay ahead.
Loved to have been there when Dan finished that journey in Inuvik. My thoughts are with his daughter Tara who lost a great dad and to all of us who were blessed to have journeyed, even if only briefly, with Dan on the same road and in the same gear.
Here is a picture of the 1981 Triple Mountain Challenge on the top of Mtn Seymour. less
Dan's Every F'Inch of his life made a fine example of how to live life. He showed gentleness and caring, while driven by stubborn determination to achieve his goals. I am happy to have been part of achieving some of them, and will always have Dan in my... moreDan's Every F'Inch of his life made a fine example of how to live life. He showed gentleness and caring, while driven by stubborn determination to achieve his goals. I am happy to have been part of achieving some of them, and will always have Dan in my heart.
There is a photo of Dan with a bloody head. Perhaps he never told anyone of that incident, and he insisted that Diana and I didn't tell anyone for fear his family would never let him out again.
In the Rockies, there was a waterfall that dropped a very long way down, and you could walk to it from the highway which was at the top of the precipice. Despite his Parkinson's handicap, Dan had shuffled his way somehow over the jagged rocks leading to the edge, and on his return had tripped and smashed his head - nit too serious but it looked nasty.
While we bandaged him up, he said that he had lost his hat somewhere back there, could I go look for it: and also, if you lay down at the edge of the cliff and looked down over the falls, it was quite a unique experience. So off I went, and found his hat, one of two special hats he brought on the trip.
I decided to take the advice and look over the falls by laying down. Clumsy me, while getting up I dropped the hat and watched it float hundreds of feet down to the river below. I would hope that his hat made it to the ocean, perhaps charged with his spirit of determination despite all odds. less
My husband Ed became good friends with Dan when they were both cycling with the Vancouver Bicycle Club. I later had the pleasure to get to know both Dan and June and we all enjoyed several cycling events and trips together.
Dan was always a lot of fun.... moreMy husband Ed became good friends with Dan when they were both cycling with the Vancouver Bicycle Club. I later had the pleasure to get to know both Dan and June and we all enjoyed several cycling events and trips together.
Dan was always a lot of fun. He approached every trip with enthusiasm, seemingly boundless energy and relished every opportunity to explore and meet new people.
I include pictures from our trip to France's Canal Midi in the summer of 2006. Both my husband and I have fond memories of all the time we spent with Dan. He was a dear friend and he will be sorely missed.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to June and Dan's children and extended family for their loss. less
Dan introduced me to the Vancouver Bicycle Club when I first arrived in Vancouver and helped me get involved in the cycling scene. Over the years, my path crosssed frequently with Dan's activities. Dan was a valued volunteer for me on TourBC, on the... moreDan introduced me to the Vancouver Bicycle Club when I first arrived in Vancouver and helped me get involved in the cycling scene. Over the years, my path crosssed frequently with Dan's activities. Dan was a valued volunteer for me on TourBC, on the Pacific Populaire, and got me involved with the Irish Tour. We also shared an interest in cross-country skiing, wine, and opera. Dan contributed to many people and in many ways. A lovely, lovely man. less
I worked for Dan and his team of Managers, Engineers and Technologists in the Plant & Measurement Dept of BC Hydro from 1980 - until 1991. At that time we were called Secretaries now perhaps Admin Assist or some such title. Dan directed a large... moreI worked for Dan and his team of Managers, Engineers and Technologists in the Plant & Measurement Dept of BC Hydro from 1980 - until 1991. At that time we were called Secretaries now perhaps Admin Assist or some such title. Dan directed a large number of employees - 50 or so and it was an exciting time to work for a Crown Corporation. The scope of the projects Dan and his team were running was huge and included the LNG Expansion Project and the Vancouver Island Natural Gas Pipeline. Responsibility plus!! and very interesting work with consultants coming from all over the world. Dan had high expectations for his team and was determined to meet his objectives. Dan was a soft spoken man and fair employer to work for and I learned a lot about the natural gas industry during those years and I had an opportunity to move into more diverse roles.
I remember meeting Dan's daughter Marcia one summer when she came in to work temporarily as a summer student. It was was then I realized why Dan was one of the few people I had met that knew the correct pronunciation of my name - Mar"c" ia. One morning after listening to the traffic report on my way to work...I asked Dan if that was his daughter Tara on the radio. Big smile ...yes it was, he was so proud of his children.
BC Hydro in an effort to promote health and fitness of employees sponsored an annual event they called Fit Fest. Two weeks of opportunity to bring some exercise into the work place. You can bet Dan was a supporter of that program because we included bicycle events and some other interesting noon hour team sports. Great memories.
My condolences to the family very sad to hear of Dan's health challenges later in life .....I do believe he really did enjoy his life and lived it to the fullest. Warm regards ...Marcy less
In 2015 Tara contacted Stuart McLean and told him about Dan's incredible cycling trip all over Canada. Stuart immediately knew this was someone he had to interview for the Vinyl Cafe! Stuart related Dan's story at a concert in Chilliwack which was being... moreIn 2015 Tara contacted Stuart McLean and told him about Dan's incredible cycling trip all over Canada. Stuart immediately knew this was someone he had to interview for the Vinyl Cafe! Stuart related Dan's story at a concert in Chilliwack which was being recorded for CBC Radio. He was honoured and delighted to meet Dan, who was in the audience that night. It was a very special and memorable evening for us.
We know Dan's cycling adventure was an inspiration to the many listeners who wrote to tell us about the impact it had on them. It was a privilege to be able to share it.
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. From Jess Milton and all at The Vinyl Cafe. less
Deirdre Arscott
Dan with Ron Johnson and Norm Brodie at Paris-Brest-Paris in 1987. Dan with June, Norm and Lois Brodie and Bob LePage at Paris-Brest-Paris in 1991.
I was going through my photos and came across this... East meets West cousins! It was taken on 100th anniversary of Uncle Ernies (Dan's dad) birth year 2003, an event organized by Dan. It was our first time meeting most of our cousins - a great (re) union
While reflecting about my Dad's life I feel a great sense of inspiration. The older I get the more I appreciate the life he led by fine example. He was driven to take in the beauty of the world through his photography. Usually while bike touring. As a... moreWhile reflecting about my Dad's life I feel a great sense of inspiration. The older I get the more I appreciate the life he led by fine example. He was driven to take in the beauty of the world through his photography. Usually while bike touring. As a young teen he took me on one of these trips from Vancouver to Calgary via Prince Rupert. That trip helped me realize that bike touring is the best way to travel. less
June my deepest condolence at the loss of Dan. Patti told me yesterday that he had passed and my heart goes out to you. In my thoughts . Claudette Taylor
We have many fond memories of Dan and June coming to PEI and spending time with us - good food, drink, love and laughter. And who can forget his bike trip across Canada for Parkinson's. Dan you will be missed - Eastern cousins Florence and Maureen Larkin
I spent many hours cycling with Dan and June, often in the wine regions of the Pacific Northwest. He was a thoughtful, kind and generous man. He will be missed.
From Carol - This was taken June 25, 2017...Although Dan and June came to several of our Boxing Day leftovers dinner we never took photos. Just ate and talked.
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