Mark John McGuire

Mark John McGuire 63, passed to his heavenly home surrounded by family on February 22, 2017 at Cottage in the Meadow from a brain aneurysm. Mark was born in Yakima to Helen and Larry McGuire on May 13, 1953.

The oldest of three children, Mark was the ringleader on many adventures. He enjoyed caring for various animals, riding motorcycles, learning woodworking and craftsmanship as well as how to fix almost anything from his dad.

Mark was a graduate of West Valley High School class of 1971. Dad spent countless hours working on cars with a close friend and future brother in law Mike Fischer. Time spent at the Fischer's led him to meet his future wife Denise. Mark and Denise were married on April 7, 1973. They spent 25 years together before divorcing, but raised three beautiful children; Marcy, Jill and Patrick. Dad took us to Disneyland and the beach so many times we lost count. He taught us how to shoot a gun, the love of fresh smelling lumber, the need for speed, loud music, big breakfasts, flying, and an appreciation of a good movie with homemade popcorn.

Mark was an amazing cook, accomplished craftsman, artist, businessman, pilot, father and friend. After he got his pilot license he loved to take all of his kids up over the Yakima Valley and make us scream with quick drops and turns.

In Mark’s younger years he worked for the family business McGuire Lumber. Eventually Mark made a dream come true and opened his own lumber yard, Cascade Lumber. This dream ended short as his business partner fell ill and Dad was diagnosed with MS at the age of 34, which proved to be a burden that he fought. Mark went on to own and operate his own trucking business and then work in the auto industry first as a salesman and then as an F&I closer for many years.

He made countless memories with his cousin Mel McGuire including joining the Shriners, marching in parades, and a trip to Hawaii that he talked about often over the years. Dad greatly appreciated Mona and Randy Purcell for all the support and help given to him, which even in death, has continued.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Larry and Helen McGuire, as well as his grandparents Melvin and Alvina McGuire, grandparents Vern and Edith Bennett and many aunts and uncles.

Mark leaves behind two daughters Marcy(Nathan) Sturgeon, Jill (Jason) Crampton, a son Patrick (Torry) McGuire, siblings Kent (Kandy) McGuire, Mona (Randy) Purcell, grandchildren Kyle and Garet Sturgeon, Gavin, Samantha and Elli Crampton, Brooklynn McGuire and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

The staff at Memorial Hospital and Cottage in the Meadow will be treasured for the warmth and comfort they extended to Mark and family. In lieu of flowers, donations to Cottage in the Meadow or the MS society in Marks memory would be appreciated.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Yakima Alliance Church, 902 S. 36th Avenue in Yakima, with graveside inurnment to follow at West Hills Memorial Park.

To share a memory of Mark, please visit www.keithandkeith.com