Glenn Allan McGuire

1948-2021

Glenn Allan McGuire died on July 28, 2021, from cancer. Allan was born in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, the youngest of six children of Glenn and Irene McGuire. Following high school Allan studied physics at the University of Saskatchewan and then went to the University of Regina to become a teacher. While he enjoyed teaching, he was uncomfortable with the requirements of classroom control and left teaching to study law at the University of Saskatchewan.

It was in the practice of law that Allan flourished and made his most important contributions. Working with Legal Aid Saskatchewan, primarily as a criminal defense lawyer, he defended the young, the poor and the disadvantaged. While he felt the frustration of not solving the causes of the problems, Allan strongly believed that keeping his clients out of jail was the most important thing he could do, as he didn’t believe that incarceration could serve as an institution of higher learning or social improvement: “If I can keep them out of jail, most of them will grow up and settle down. That’s what I work to do, give them that chance to settle down.” 

Allan’s concern for social justice was manifest in all aspects of his life. He took an active interest in politics, at every level, and read widely to keep himself informed on the issues that confront society. He was a prolific reader of case law and jurisprudence and those who practiced it. Allan believed that one’s enjoyment of anything was enhanced by knowing more about it. He continued to read about physics and the science of the material world. Allan had a love of music and here too, he read - about music and the musicians. He attended and supported the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra as well as concerts organized by the musicians themselves wherever they played throughout the city. His love of music was made evident by his extensive music library. 

Allan will be remembered warmly and with respect by his many colleagues in the legal profession.

He will be greatly missed by his daughter Hayden, his sisters Doretha (Bob) Kowalishin and Jeanne, his brothers George and Barry, and his friend Brenda Freriks.  He was predeceased by his sister Sheila. We all mourn the loss of a father, a brother, a brother-in-law and a friend and we will remember him with love and affection.

Allan wanted to return to his roots and asked to be buried in Oxbow, Saskatchewan where his parents are interred. Notice of a memorial event later in the year will be announced when arrangements have been made. Arrangements are in care of Aimé Laventure – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.