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Emmett Maguire

March 14, 1913 ~ April 16, 2013


Emmett Maguire was born March 14, 1913 in county Fermanagh, Ireland. Emmett was the third child of Francis and Rose (Burns) Maguire. Emmett immigrated to Canada with his parents and nine of his ten siblings in 1927 when he was 14 years old. The Maguire family settled in St. Brides, AB and Emmett met and married Anne Huget in 1941. Emmett and Anne purchased a farm in St. Brides, AB. Emmett worked long hours in the fields while Annie cooked for the crew, milked cows, fed pigs, and cared for their five children, Charlie, Jack, Jim, Marlene and Carrie. In 1957 the family moved from St. Brides to St. Paul. It was in the town of St. Paul that they built the first motel called The Lakeland. In 1968 they moved to Creston, where they became fruit farmers and operated The Starlite Motel until 1979, after which time they farmed on another orchard in Erickson until retirement.


Emmett was an active curler and card player; he enjoyed going to watch ball games at the area parks and joining his friends for coffee at the local diner. Family was very important to Emmett and he took pleasure in spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Emmett and Anne enjoyed trips to the Yukon, Ireland and Hawaii; they camped with their truck and camper and had many fond memories of travelling to Reno with family and friends. Emmett loved baseball, and took a trip to Seattle with his son Jack and family, where he watched the Mariners play the Yankees and saw the legendary Yogi Berra. Emmett also enjoyed watching hockey, golf, football, curling, horse races and reading.


When Anne was in poor health Emmett graciously stepped in and became a caregiver. Emmett and Anne celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary prior to Anne’s passing.

Emmett remained active throughout his life, shovelling snow and mowing the lawn well into his nineties. He broke his hip when he was 97, had surgery and recovered fully. Emmett took his driver’s test with an instructor that same year and passed with flying colours. He decided at 99 to give up his license and purchased a scooter. He was able to continue to go to appointments, the bank and get groceries on his own. Emmett lived independently in his own home until his passing.


Emmett was a devoted member of the Catholic Church throughout his life time. His faith was significant and supportive through many times of suffering. Emmett had a wonderful church family that was constant and unfailing.

Emmett will be fondly and forever remembered by his twinkling blue eyes, beautiful head of hair, clever wit, games of cribbage, captivating stories, jokes for all occasions, gift of song, as well as his ability to remember names, places and dates. Just being in his presence was an honour and privilege.


Emmett was predeceased by his wife Annie (2007); daughter-in-law Joni (2005); son Jim (2007); daughter-in-law Lynda (2008); daughter Carrie (2012); son-in-law Garth (2012); brothers Kevin, Gabriel, Jack, Micky, and Charlie; and sisters Kathleen, Gracie and Josie.

On April 16, 2013 Emmett left behind his sons Charlie (Debbie) and Jack (Rose Marie); daughter Marlene Billey (Marshall); grandchildren Dean and Corrine Maguire, Leanne and Russ Santos, Kelly Maguire, Chad and Amy Oko, Pamela and Brent Valer, Kory Oko and Shaun Maguire; great-grandchildren Dakota, Clancy and Ryder Maguire, Tyler and Mia Santos, Caiden, Chantelle and Connor Oko, Colton and Courtney Valer; sisters Sheila and Fanchea and numerous nieces and nephews.


Emmett was very proud of his age and he celebrated his 100th Birthday on March 14, 2013. It was truly an amazing day full of family, friends, well wishes and song. The occasion could not have been possible without the wonderful members of the Catholic Women’s League and the Knights of Columbus. Thank you.


Emmett has a devoted family, but he also had excellent neighbours and friends, his ‘favourites’ at the RBC, and The Family Practice. We regret that individual names will not be mentioned as we do not want to unintentionally miss anyone, but you know who you are, we want you to know that we appreciate you and thank you for caring for Emmett. We would also like to thank Dr. LeRoux for your years as Emmett’s physician, as well as the nursing staff at the Creston Valley Hospital who went above and beyond in their compassion and caring. Words cannot express the gratitude we have to those that called, visited and offered support. A special thank you to Morley and Candace and Emmett’s special friend Gilles.


Funeral Services were held at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Tom Kakkaniyil officiating.

Prayers were held Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass was held Monday, April 22, 2013 at11:00 a.m.

Knights of Columbus Honour Guard.


Any friends wishing to make a memorial contribution in Emmett’s name may do so to the Creston Valley Hospital – Equipment Fund – Bag 3000 Creston, BC, V0B 1G0.