Obituary of John Alexander Maguire

John Alexander Maguire went peacefully home to be with the Lord, on March 22, 2017 surrounded by his loving wife and adult children. John was born December 24, 1927 in Stratford, Ontario. After high school, he enrolled as an apprentice in the Canadian National Motive Power Shops in Stratford and subsequently worked as a machinist for the C.N.R on both steam and diesel locomotives. Then on December 14th, 1950 he married the love of his life, Gailya Campbell. When the C.N.R. shops closed in 1953, John joined his father-in-law D.A. Campbell, selling insurance and securities; ultimately becoming a Branch Manager at Sovereign Life. In 1974, the Maguire's moved to Goderich. A craftsman at heart, John decided to return to his trade as a machinist, and until retiring in 1989, was employed at the Sifto Salt Evaporator Plant. Extremely talented working with his hands, there was scarcely anything that John couldn't build or repair. After obtaining his private pilot's licence in 1960 he rebuilt and flew three different classic aircraft. Other passions included Ham Radio, riding motorcycles, building and collecting antique radios and skating. A dedicated family man, John spent many summer afternoons on Lake Huron aboard the family sailboat. John, a member of Knox Presbyterian Church, Goderich was a man of strong Christian faith who will be sadly missed by Gailya, his beloved wife of 66 years; by his two children, Colleen Maguire and John "Cam" (Tracy) Maguire; and by two grandchildren, Daniel (Megan) Maguire and Meghan Maguire. He was predeceased by his parents Ira H.B. and Flo V. (Newton) Maguire and siblings Viola (1912), Newton (1919), Dorothy (1927), Muriel (1992), Myrtle (2003), and Charlie (2008). A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at Falconer Funeral Homes - Bluewater Chapel, Goderich with the funeral to follow at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation. Messages of condolence for the Maguire family may be sent through www.falconerfuneralhomes.com