1927 - 2013
Michael Joseph Flannan Mary Patrick Maguire. Passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on Tuesday, 5th March, 2013, aged 85. Predeceased by his son Patrick (Anna-Marie). Leaving to mourn, his one true love and wife of 57 years Oula; brothers: Connor and Peter; sisters: Mary-Clare and Anne-Marie; five sons: Conor (Carolyn), Mark (Caroline), Michael (Stella), Hugh (Diana) and Brendan (Laura-Lee); grandchildren: Colleen (Shane Antle), Meighan, Duncan, Caitlin, Sean, Michael, Niamh, Mary, Deirdre, Clare, Ciara, Maura, Brendan, Colleen, Oula, Sarah and Josie; great grandson Conor Anthony; and a wide circle of dear friends on 5 continents.
Dr. Michael Maguire – dental surgeon, musician, artist, maker and teller of stories, and international busker - was born in Kilkieran, Connemara, Ireland, the eldest of 5 children born to Dr. Conor and Nellie (Conroy) Maguire. He lived in the Irish language for his first 9 years and was forever grateful for the classic education he received from the Jesuit Priests of Mungret College, Limerick. Mike studied Dentistry at University College Dublin, where he participated on several varsity sports teams, primarily rugby and boxing. After receiving his degree in Dentistry he set off for Canada and drove a Model T Ford from British Columbia to the Atlantic doing locums along the way. He even had a short stint with the Saskatchewan Roughriders! Having seen the majesty of Canada, it was Newfoundland that won his heart and soul. He landed in the cottage hospital in Twillingate where he mentored under Dr. John Olds and developed a deep affection for the people of this “marvelous terrible place.”
Mick started his life-long love affair with Oula in 1954 and settled initially in Gander, where four of their six boys were born. Many people he treated, from all around the circle, still fondly remember his sincere interest in people and the land, and his professional kindness. Dentistry and the barter system collaborated perfectly in an endless stream of delightful encounters. Fillings for fish, rabbit or turrs were the order of the day! Countless stories and wonderful memories abound from that era.
Following a brief return to Ireland (where a fifth son arrived), and London where he trained in maxillofacial surgery, Mike and Oula returned to Grand Falls in 1965 where the family was made complete by the arrival of son number six.
In 1975 Mike relocated to St. John’s so that he and Oula could remain close to their sons as they pursued their post-secondary education. He supported many causes with generous time and energy, notably as Board Chair of the Canadian Paraplegic Association. He was also a life-long supporter of Newfoundland Rugby. Mike bathed in the cultural richness of Newfoundland, and its people, which he celebrated through his love of music whether playing the accordion, piano or fiddle, and his growth as a painter of Irish and Newfoundland scenery and folk history. He had a tremendous ability to appreciate and capture the beauty around him, and he will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched through his music and art, his storytelling, and gregarious wit. Above all, he loved his family and his faith, and his devotion was evident to all who met him. “Grandad” is still The Boss - “Big Mike” - and he is not gone from us, but before us.
Visitation will be held at Caul’s Funeral Home, 84 LeMarchant Rd., St. John’s, on Thursday, 7 March from 7 to 9 PM, and on Friday, 8 March from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Pius X church at 9:30 AM, Saturday, 9 March. Burial will follow at a later date at Cull’s Harbour, Bonavista Bay. In lieu of Flowers, donations will be graciously accepted in Mick’s memory to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Cull’s Harbour, c/o PO Box 59, 139 J. R. Smallwood Blvd, Gambo, NL, A0G 2E0.
The Maguire Family expresses a big thank you to the medical and nursing staff at the Health Sciences Centre ER and 4NB, for your professional and kind care. We also wish to thank Christine Arnold of Cull’s Harbour and the caregivers at Tiffany Village for all their warmth and kindness during the past months.