Thomas Paul McGuire

Thomas (“Tom”) Paul McGuire was born May 16, 1959, in Fort Bragg, California to James and Barbara McGuire, eighth of nine children. Our beloved Tom passed away on September 9, 2025, surrounded by many loved ones that day, including the love of his life, Maria, and his 100-year-old mother, Barbara.

Tom and Maria raised four beautiful children. Tom is survived by his wife, Maria; son, Ryan (Kimberly); son, David (Kim); daughter, Maria (Elo); son, Dominic and girlfriend, Dani; grandchildren, Nevaeh, Sila, Calvin, Keely and Vivian; his mother, Barbara; many nieces and nephews as well as siblings, Jeff (Keenan), Ann (Richard), Michael (Yvette), Kathy, Joanie (Mark), Wendy (Jimmy), and Monica (Tony). Tom is preceded in death by his brother, Peter (Lynn), and his father, Jim (Barbara).

Tom grew up on a cattle ranch in Fort Bragg where creativity was encouraged, allowing him to engage in many projects. On his own, Tom raised money and built a hovercraft and a dark room for photography. Throughout his life, Tom used his mind to evaluate situations clearly and thoughtfully, similar to his own father. After Tom’s father passed, he became trustee of the family ranch, a place Tom cherished.

At fourteen, Tom worked his way through Boy Scouts to become an Eagle Scout. His brother-in-law taught him to play guitar as a teenager, discovering Tom had a nice voice, in particular a gift for harmonizing. At sixteen, he became an AFS exchange student, spending a year in Australia with the Boyce family, who became like a second family to him.

After high school, Tom attended College of the Redwoods, transferring 2 years later to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he was consistently on the Dean’s List. He graduated in 1982 with a degree in Ag Business Management. Tom and Maria met at their first dorm meeting in Muir Hall, sharing a playful moment that sparked the beginning of a forty-five-year relationship. Three years after that first meeting, they married in Montecito, California.

After graduation, Tom worked as an Ag Lender, a career spanning forty-two years with Farm Credit West (subsequently Ag West). In his first job, Tom supported the fishing, timber, and dairy industries in Eureka, California, before moving to Paso Robles, planting roots until retiring as a Senior Vice President in April 2025. According to Ag West management, Tom was instrumental in developing and growing the fledgling wine industry in Paso Robles as it began to flourish along with supporting many other agricultural businesses.

Tom shared his time, effort, and talents with numerous organizations, including Boy Scouts for many years, Hospice of San Luis Obispo, and many other fundraisers, building connections with his employer, Ag West, and many community and industry efforts. He was actively involved in the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance.

Tom and Maria helped start the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) at Saint Rose Church, leading and supporting the RCIA team for many years. Tom also served on the Liturgy Committee, as a Eucharistic Minister, and assisted the Bishop with confirmations in the Diocese.

For ten years, Tom, Maria, and their young family visited the Paso Robles Senior Home every Sunday, spending time with residents. More recently, Tom was actively involved in Nativity Church in various capacities.

God blessed Tom and Maria with four children, two of whom they were fortunate to adopt. Family remembers Tom as a kind-hearted, loving teacher. He embodied the actions and lived the teachings of Jesus. He was humble, never seeking attention. He decided ahead of time what the right thing to do was, then did it. A life-long learner and very loving father and grandfather, Tom always helped out without expecting recognition. He wanted people to feel comfortable and focused his attention when listening to someone speak, responding thoughtfully. Tom loved people for who they are and was always welcoming. He was fair-minded, leaving room for other opinions. He was reliable, selfless, dependable and always ready to help when needed. Hard-working, Tom took initiative to get things done without being asked, and enjoyed fixing things.

Tom gave generously to others until the end of his life. When he learned of his illness, he wanted to give his death away by giving of himself to everyone, making family and friends feel okay, even though he felt weakened. Despite the discomfort in his final hours, Tom smiled and said, “I’m looking at my beautiful granddaughter.” Many people loved him deeply, feeling his love in the midst of all he faced. Friends and family surrounded Tom with love during his final days, just the way he wanted.

Tom looked to make the world better, and life excited him. He was inquisitive and adventurous, enjoying the outdoors and hiking. He represented pure love with a happy and helpful nature, even as a young child. His integrity and compassion came with a sense of humor and easy smile. Tom’s mother remembered how he loved abundantly and did so much in his life.

As the anchor holding his family together in love, faith, and understanding without judgment, Tom offered a steady hand to hold. He had a deep love and commitment to God, his wife Maria, and his family. Tom’s children felt his passionate love throughout their lives. Thoughtful with a steadiness and sense of calm, a family member reflected, “Tommy is one of the finest humans I have ever known.”

Tom’s celebration of life service will be held on October 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church in San Luis Obispo, with a reception to follow at Castoro Cellars at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Restorative Partners of San Luis Obispo, ECHO Homeless Shelter, or sharing an act of kindness.