On June 11, 2014, Mike McGuire, lover of all things Irish, especially the music and dance, went home from the dance too soon. He was a mere 67. Though he had no children by blood, every child Mike met was his child in spirit. That he had the opportunity to mentor several to adulthood brought him (and them) great joy. He was an insatiable reader, a history buff, a great fan of the Great Lakes, a smart, funny, and gentle man. He was also a lawyer. He served Grand Rapids as an assistant city attorney for three decades. In recognition of his many lawyerly gifts, he received the 1992 Award for Outstanding National Public Service from the National Institute of Municipal Law Officers. Mike is survived by his wife, Sheila, his brothers- and sisters-in-law, his nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Heartfelt thanks for their compassionate care to all Mike’s healthcare providers, especially Dr. Kyle Rasikas, Dr. Brett Brinker, and the staff at Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan. Memorials in Mike’s name may be made to: Kids Food Basket, 2055 Oak Industrial Dr. NE, Suite C, Grand Rapids, MI 49505; Montana de Luz, PO Box 410, Worthington, OH 43085; Adelante Youth Mission, Inc., c/o Fr. Joachim Lally, CSP, 1120 4 Mile Rd. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Monday, June 16, at 7:00 p.m. Please join family and friends after the ceremony for cookies and conversation about Mike (for you know how the man liked to talk).
