Martin Thomas McGuinn

Marty was born on February 8, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Little Flower grade school and St. Ignatius College Prep, where he formed lifelong friendships and discovered his love of learning. He earned a full scholarship for track and field at Northwestern University, where he threw shot put and the indoor hammer and was an active and beloved member of the Psi Upsilon fraternity. His fraternity brothers continue to mourn the loss of a great friend. He graduated from Northwestern in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

After college, Marty moved to California to attend California Western School of Law. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1978 and began his legal career in private practice. He later joined the firm Hinchy, Wittenberg, Wood, Anderson, and Hodges, where he quickly distinguished himself and rose to partner. When the firm disbanded, he joined Hovey and Kirby. Not long after, the firm became Kirby and McGuinn and Marty and his law partner, Dean Kirby, built a respected and successful practice that lasted nearly 25 years.

When the firm closed in 2022, Marty returned to private practice, continuing to serve clients with care, integrity, and his characteristic depth of knowledge until shortly before his passing.

Marty was deeply respected in his field. His expertise in real estate law, particularly in private money lending for real estate, was widely known and he was frequently sought as an expert witness. He was an active member of the United Trustees Association, served as their counsel for several years, and was a long-time board member. Clients valued his clarity, honesty, and professionalism, and many expressed sincere disappointment at his retirement and profound sadness at his passing.

Marty was a devoted husband and father. He met the love of his life, Pat, in 1974 while they were both in college. Their love endured a long-distance separation until Pat graduated from nursing school and joined him in California. They married in 1978 and later welcomed three children. Their daughter, Sarah Ann, was born in 1982. Their son, Kevin Martin, arrived in 1987. Their youngest, Katherine Elizabeth (Kiki), was born in 1991.

Marty was a constant presence in his children’s lives. Whether sports, dance, scouting, school productions, or academic competitions, he was always there. He coached, volunteered, encouraged, and cheered. He rarely missed a performance or game and was a steady source of pride and joy for his children.

Marty and Pat shared 51 years together. Their partnership was built on devotion, humor, curiosity, and a shared love of food, music, college sports, and travel. Marty was an exceptional trip planner who spent hours researching restaurants, museums, and hidden gems to make every trip memorable. He showed Pat the world.

Marty had a lifelong passion for Northwestern sports and a spirited rivalry with his brother John, a University of Illinois fan. The loser of their friendly bets had to wear the opposing team’s polo shirt, and Marty never enjoyed wearing Illinois orange. In San Diego, Marty and Pat became dedicated fans of San Diego State University athletics. They shared football season tickets with their close friends Cricket and Jim Moore, and they were longtime basketball season ticket holders beginning in 1986. Their love for SDSU basketball became a family tradition, especially shared with their son Kevin. Marty and Pat made an annual trip to the Mountain West basketball tournament in Las Vegas. Without a doubt, he is cheering on his teams from heaven.

Marty is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patricia Joan (Arient) McGuinn. He is survived by his children Sarah Ann McGuinn and her husband, Billy Botsch, Kevin Martin McGuinn, and Katherine Elizabeth (Kiki) McGuinn Reis and her husband, Jacob. He also leaves behind his beloved brother John F. McGuinn and sister in law Karen McGuinn, as well as his brother in law Jack Benware. Marty was extremely close with his sister in law Helen (Holly) Wheaton and brother in law Terry Wheaton. He is also survived by his brother in law John Arient, his sister in law Loretta Arient, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews whom he adored. He leaves behind countless friends and neighbors who admired his intelligence, kindness, humor, and quick wit.

It was Marty’s wish to be cremated and to have no formal service. A celebration of his life will be held in early February.

For all who knew him, Marty was larger than life. The world is quieter without his voice, less joyful without his laughter, and less bright without his presence. May God rest his soul and may perpetual light shine upon him forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Education Partnership at https://theeducationpartnership.org/donate.