Robert McGuire Obituary

Mary Jo, Lauretta, Bob & Terrance,

I heard of "Butch's" passing through the WGN the day B4 the funeral. I tried in vain to find out when and where you would have the funeral but I had no luck(ARGGGHH!!). I finally thought to call the saloon only to find you were having it at that hour.I had no luck in getting any of your e-mails to wish yyou my sympathy and too early to leave a note on the guest book(aarrgghh again).This time...I found the guest book!! I wish I could have been there. Butch was a larger than life person and I will never forget working with all of you when I lived in Chicago. He had his moments ...good and bad....but the good well made up for the bad. I enjoyed his hollering up the stairs "EDDDIIEEE" or "TERRANCE" or "HERCULES" to get our attention to come down. And the guy was always full of ideas!!! Non stop. He did imprint a bit on my life (as well as all of you)! You are in my prayers! May God bless you and your families!
P.S...If you need anything...just ask.
E.D.(carpenter/handyman @ Butch McGuire's 1987-89)

Mary Jo, Lauretta, Bobby, Terrance:

I was talking to Nancy yesterday and realized I had never signed the Guest Book. Although six months have gone by, I'm sure the loss is still new and very painful.

How many lives were formed by that first summer in 1961? I was teaching summer school and graded papers in the first booth.

One of my roommates drunkenly called me "Mosie" within earshot of Butch. That nickname caught on immediately because Butch got on the loudspeaker and announced I was Mosie. No one outside of Butch's, however, ever knew that name. I was entertaining a business associate one afternoon, having lunch at the saloon, touring the neighborhood, and passed the saloon on the way back to the car. I didn't think Butch was back from the transplant, but he saw me through the window and waved me in. I introduced my friend and Butch was very respectful, calling me Maureen, chatting about his recovery, etc. Then as we were leaving, Butch said very quietly, "Bye, Mosie." This guy says, "What did he call you?" I said, "If you ever repeat that to anyone, you won't be doing business with my company anymore."

Butch was such a good friend. To everyone. Even though I didn't spend much time at the saloon after I quit teaching, I always felt whenever I saw him that he was still my best friend.

I hope you are all doing well.

The McGuire family: Ann and I just learned today of your loss. Butch and his bar were part of our lives for 40 years. We will miss him.

Bob Bohan

Dear Bobby and Family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Butch was a bigger than life kind of person. He and your family were always so kind to me. I'm sure they have forgotten me. But I'll always remember him, and your family. I was lucky enough to go to the Lake House in Lake Deliven

several times. Hayes was my roommate at NMNA for my last 2 years. Those are my golden memories. We had so much fun. And I always felt so welcome. Everytime Butch or Mary Jo would come visit we would get Mc Donalds. Which was like gold to us. And not just a burger and fries, but a sack full of them.

And getting to go down and hang out at the bar on St. Pattys day.

Seeing all the people, and feeling like a big shots in our Butch McGuires jackets. I live in Floida now, and when I come back to Chicago my time is always tight, I

wish now I had stopped by and Thanked Butch for those things, that now seem to mean so much to me. I would love to see Bobby, and Hayes again. I'm in Tallahassee now, I have a great wife and three kids. Y'all always have a place to stay in North Florida. My number is in the book. And Bobby and Hayes, if you have the time, and want to catch up, please email me and we can exchange info.

Butch was a great man and he touched my life and I'm so sorry for your loss. He is at peace, I'm sure. Love, Bob Becker

My condolences to the McGuire Clan:



What a great Host and Great Man.



Rest in Peace Butch.

Dear MaryJo, Bobby, Lauretta & Terrance:



Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. Butch was THE BEST!

I shall never forget all the great friends and fun times at Butches.



You are in my thoughts and prayers,

I knew Butch before he opened his saloon. It was always party time at his house in Old Town. And when he decided to spread the cheer in a tavern, it was instant success. My husband was one of his first bartenders. Although I haven't been back to that scene in Chicago for many years, I recall fondly the Christmas Eve that Butch and his buddies picked me up after work in front of the Wrigley Bldg with a limosine and a huge glass of champagne, ushered me into the limo and drove around the area making stops along the way to cause the most extreme reactions to their outrageous conduct. We were all young and we had fun.

McGuire Family,I met Butch briefly as a roommate of Terrance's in College...I just read of his passing and wanted to express my deepest sympathy.Butch was a wonderful man.He will be truly missed!!!

Shari

To The McGuire's



I was so saddened to hear about Butch's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.



For Ten years during the 80's We had The Best St. Patrick's Day Party in America at Butch McGuire's.



Butch was always such a Great Host too our Bonzi Guy's from Texas.



My sincere condolences to the entire McGuire family. I was glad that the torch is being passed on to Bobby to carry on Butch's memory .



Draw One for Butch McGuire, May he rest in peace.

Dear Mary Jo, Lauretta, Bobby, and Terrance, My deepest sympathy at the loss of your dear husband and father. What a guy! What fun! What humor! Such a delight to be with. He was a special part of so many lives. My mind is flooded with memories of all of you. Meeting Butch at "Easy Street", your births, holidays spent together. Parties at the Saloon, Monday night dinners. As you said Lauretta, he loved his life and he lived it. I was one who also loved him. May God Bless you all. Your friend, Nanci

THANK'S FOR ALL THE GREAT TIMES !

OUR CONDOLENES TO THE McGuire Family

My Brother John (Jack) worked on Division St. for several years and Barbara & I liked coming in for your Sunday Brunch.

Robert B. Sloan & Barbara Olken

Dear, Mary Jo, Bobby, Lauretta, and Terrance



My deepest sympathy and condolences. Butch was like a Father to me and such a big part of my Life for over 30 years. My First Job, My First White Castle, Driving all over Chicago the Midwest with him. I have so many great memories of Lake Delavan, Lago Mar, and the entire 1980's at the saloon, your father gave me such great advice and was always there for me, even when I didn't deserve it. I will never forget the look on his face when Bobby and I were cleaning the Basement with one of our famous bleaching's in the 70's or his pride in us at NMNA and Culver.



I love Butch McGuire, and will always miss him. I hope that you all find comfort in knowing how Butch has touched the life of so many of us. He was special to so many people, Chicago and The world was lucky to have Butch McGuire.



I was lucky to call him and all of you friends. God-speed Butch.

Dear Lauretta and family,

I am very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Reading the Tribune article brought back memories of the wonderful generosity of your Dad and whole family. I really appreciated your Dad's welcoming hospitality when we would go to the bar after law school classes. Your Dad was such a special person, as I know you well know. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dear McGuire Family,



Cindy and I were saddened by the passing of Butch. The ten years I worked for you were some of the best years of my life. I learned so much more from him than just how to tend bar. I will NEVER forget a company meeting we had in burbs one day and we were discussing various duties of the employees and one individual that had just started working for Butch proceeded to explain that he did not think that that picking up garbage in the parking lot was his responsibilty.



Butch's face got red, and he said," Young man, your job is from Rand Rd. to Kensington."



Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Mary Jo and Family, my heartfelt condolences because of your loss. I can empathize having just lost my wife of almost 47 years, Helen, April 30 and now having memories of Butch before the bar, at his apartment on Orleans Street and the summer of '58 up in Fontana, WI, and, of course, from day one when "Butch McGuire's" opened on Division Street. Helen so enjoyed those days along with us and I hope you are consoled in your sorrow by your memories of a wonderful life with Butch.

Mary Jo, Bobby, Terrance and Lauretta;



I was so saddened to hear about Butch's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.



I will always remeber the kindness you all showed me when I came to work at the saloon. It was never a dull day and we always had lots of fun!



I look forward to the day in the future when I can come home to Butch's and down a couple of jumbo's and chase them with a shot or two and remember all those wonderful times at Butch's!



Take care and God Bless!



Michael Regan

Butch and family my thoughts and prayers are with you all,

The life lessons and memories from my employment at both the Mt. Prospect and the Downtown Butch McGuire’s facilities will live in my heart forever. Many thanks to Butch for trusting in hiring me "Psotka Fish" as one of his 1st 19 yr old female employees in the 70's when the drinking age changed. Remembering crazy nights working the beer garden bar station on Tuesday ladies night or St. Patrick’s Day when I had green hands for days after from the green beer. And what fun working the famous Sunday Brunch serving up those Bloody Marys and eggs Benedict. And most of all I met my late husband Bob who was one of Butch's Managers in Mt. Prospect. And Mary Jo I still have and cherish the lovely Waterford crystal creamer sugar set you sent for our wedding. May Butch rest in peace and his family find comfort in knowing how he has touched the life of so many of us.

My sincere sympathy goes out to the Maguire family. I worked at Butch's as a waitress a couple years ago and have so many fond memories of Butch and the people that always gathered there. I will never forget my waitressing days with such a wonderful guy like Butch!

Butch was an extraordinary man with tons of friends each with special stories about his friendship and/or his antics. He was special to so many people including us. We will miss him, grieve with his family and celebrate his life. Our condolences to Mary Jo who was so important to his life and family. Our sympathies also to the rest of the McGuire clan.

To Butch's Family: So sorry to read of his passing. I first met Butch in the mid-seventies when I attended the National Graduate Trust School at Northwestern each of three summer sessions. I recall walking in some years later on the weekend of a Michigan vs. Northwestern football game. It was so crowded, I could barely get in the door. He asked me if I was part of the Michigan group, and as a Michigan grad and fan I said yes. He led me to a door and said, go right down the stairs. I did and found myself in a party of Michigan people,including Don Lund and others from the athletic department. It was then I learned that Butch also was a Michigan grad and that his college roommate was Jim Skala, a former basketball coach, and that Butch always put on this party when a Michigan team was in town. I remarked that I probably wasn't intended to be at this party; but was told of course you're welcome at Butch's party--Didn't he send you down here? I was last there a year ago, but he wasn't there. We've lost one of the great saloonkeepers.

Many a drink, and fond times at "butch's ". But I guess more importantly was his personal hello, and always a word or too. Big or small, rich or poor, a gentleman had a way to make you feel he,d made your day.

Thanks for the memories!

Our condolences to the McGuire family.

Susan (Gustafson) Bohn Holland, MI

Carol (King) Meyer Saugatuck, MI

Dear Mary Jo and family, My husband and I met at Butch's 40 years ago. It was the first time I had been in a bar with girl friends. It was great and since I lived in the building on Dearborn where you lived in back in the coach house, Mary Jo. I flew for American Airlines and spent many a happy after flight, hour at Butch's. Your husband was so very wonderful to all of us. It was such a warm, friendly place because of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Sincerely, Sharon O'Connell Talbot

Dear Butch...Your passing marks the end of an era. McGuire's was the extended living room for many where one often would drop in after work to enjoy conversations with fellow "regulars" over a quality cocktail. It was quaint and casual, but had SO much more class than all of the other watering holes in the neighborhood.. Though I dont' get down to the city much anymore, I still found it a real treat to be able to catch a lunch now and then during the work week. I do to this day still joke with my friends saying that to my dying day...I never want to know how much money I spent at your wonderful saloon. I am certain now that I've gotten older and wiser I would be horrified...but then again, to me all those fun memories are priceless.



My sincere condolences to the entire McGuire family. I certainly hope the torch is passed on to one of you to carry on Butch's memory and traditions for the generations to come.



With his passing, I'm sure the keepers at Heaven's gate passed the word: "Here comes Butch...draw one!"

To our dear alumnus Butch,

How we will all miss our dear classmate and friend of Morgan Park Military Academy.

May God be with you.

Respectfully,

Morgan Park Academy Alumni Association

Dear Mary Jo and Family,

What a tremendous loss to all

who loved Butch. One consolation

is that Mike Rich has his dear

friend with him. My thoughts

and prayers are with you.

Dear McGuire family all -- a toast to Butch for all the good and fun he produced in his life -- and to all of you and Uncle Mel for the happiness you shared. Hank and I thank you for our Chicago life and the great gift of friendship. We were back in Feb 2003 and met a group of friends at Butches to relive "old time"s. What a great gift Butch (Bobby, etal) have given so many -- glad to see the list of McGuire grands -- without the Christmas picture, one loses "annual" touch but not the memories -- you have our love, Barbara and Hank Gibb

Many a drink, and fond times at "butch's ". But I guess more importantly was his personal hello, and always a word or too. Big or small, rich or poor, a gentleman had a way to make you feel he,d made your day. I,m glad I knew you "Butch" Padraig "Doc" Connelly.

I'll miss you, Butch. You were like a father to me. Thanks for the great memories at Butch McGuires Mt. Prospect.

My condolences to the McGuire family. During this difficult time, know that Butch affected so many people, in so many ways, with his kindness, generosity, and knowledge. I, along with many others, was an employee at Butch's at one point in time. It was an unforgettable experience. Of course, I was and still am a patron, and will always remember Butch in his starched shirt and tie, ready to lend a hand on a Sunday morning rush. He was the best.

Dear Mary Jo and Family, We send our deepest sympathy to all of you.

Although we have not seen one another for a long time, I will always remember our time together

at American Airlines. God be with

all of you during this time of sorrow. Love, Cheryl and Dwight Groth

I never had the opportunity to meet Butch but am ever thankful that he opened the Mt. Prospect Butch McGuire's. On September 13, 1972 I met my wife to be there. We celebrated our 32nd anniversary this past January. My condolences to the McGuire family.

Not only would Butch always offer a little piece of advice, he would always offer you a stool as well...Somehow "meet me at Butch's" has whole new meaning.

My sympathy to Mary Jo and family. My husband(deceased) and I met Butch through Jean and Jerry Maas many many years ago. We had a lot of "fun nights" at his bar in Mt. Prospect and Chicago. The whole world will miss Butch.

Dear Mary Jo and Family,



My sincere sympathy for your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Yes - Butch McGuire was fraternity brother and MIchigan and we had some good times together for several years.. THE famous party at his house after the NU- Mich Game in 1965 will never be forgotten and the wonderful hospitality of Mary Jo and theyhad only been married bor 2 years... Butch always thought that life was the scene for a good time and he made it happen

Mary Jo & family:

We were all very saddened to hear about "Butch". My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.

Jo Bowser

Butch was a true gentleman and always cordial. I courted my wife, Nancy at Butch's and the marriage has lasted 28 years. He will be missed, but heaven just got a bit more interesting. God bless you Butch. PJB

Butch and I grew up in adjoining apartment buildings on the south side of Chicago. We also attended the University of Michigan together. My deepest sympathy to his family. He was a winner.

Dear Mary Jo and the entire McGuire family,



Our deepest condolences to you. We are in Paris thinking of you and toasting Butch everywhere we go.



Joan and Phil Krone

Our sympathy goes out to you Mary Jo and family. Desi and Gloria will always remember the fun days we had since 1961, visiting Butch McQuire with my brother Mel Perretti. We had so much fun throuh all the years. Butch's was a wonderful place to visit, and Butch was one of a kind.



Desi and Gloria DeBiasi

Mary Jo, so sorry to hear of "Butch" passing. You and I flew together in the late 50's and early 60's and had lots of fun both "in the air and at Butch's." I lost my husband, Pete, five years ago. Happy memories linger from our past. Hope this finds you well. God keep you in the palm of his hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jan (Rebscher)Eastman A Kiwi

I always felt at home at Butch McGuire's and often took out of town visitors there. My family had school ties with the McGuire kids. May the road rise to meet you, Butch, and my condolences to the McGuire and Stewart families.

Butch:

Even though we have not talked for many years, the years I knew you and worked for you (late sixties, early seventies) will never be forgotten. A very important part of Chicago, and of the lives of countless people, is gone. Our thoughts are with Mary Jo and your family. Ted & Bobbie

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

One of the first times I heard Barbra Streisand sing "People" was on the juke box at Butch McGuire's on a weekend night. Every time afterward when I heard her sing that song I thought of the weekend days and nights at Butch's.



During the summers -- 1965 and '66 -- I played with the Red Garter softball team in that North Side Bar League. Butch's dominated that league in those years, with the notorious Bob Hobson at third base.



After those games there was always chili and beer at Butch's. We used to call it "Kicking the dog around."



Great times at a great place.

Unfortunately I did not know Butch but he was the epitome of a Democrat as I grew up knowing them...I am sorry he has gone he will be missed. Sleep well.

Fond memories of Butch and Mary Jo, Leo and Joan, Pottsy and Nancy,and Mom and Dad with ALL of the kids in tow at Yost Field House for tailgate parties at U of M games.These are the times I will recall and savor. Heartfelt condolences from one of "The Four S's"

Butch was a special man to many old friends including my late father, Pete Pratt. He was especially adored by my grandmother, his "Aunt Alice" Pratt. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are sent to Mary Jo and the entire family. Fondly, The Pratt/Watts/Matthew Family.

To the Family of Butch McGuire.

My deepest sympathy at this time

I only got to meet him once last July but he got up and came down to bar to meet me as my son Tom worked for him and he cared, for people so wonderful in this world.

Myrtle Willoughby

The city was never the same without the "old" Mayor and Rush Street will never be the same without Butch. We will say a prayer and lift a glass. "To a good man".

Dear Mary Jo and family,

Butch touched a lot of lives in his time and I am honored to have known him. Jimmy and I had our first date at "Butch's" in 1964. Now that Jimmy is gone, I have wonderful memories of our times with Butch and the "crowd".Butch was a one of a kind and will be missed greatly by all who had the luck to know him.



God bless you all.

Love,

Dewi Rudnick

Your vice president,,Dracos..MPMA '48..best is yet to come

God Bless you Butch, you were always so gracious to me at the camp...

My sympathy goes to Butch's family. I remember Butch fondly from 8 years in the same class at St. Clotilde Grade School. He was always fun to be with in class, and had tremendous intellectual potential.

In my 8th grade autograph book a classmate wrote, "Yours til Butch dances, I remain..." and the class prophecy picked up on that idea and humorously predicted that he would become half of a world famous dance couple in the future. Butch surely used other gifts, but I never found out whether he learned to dance. I think he must be in heaven dancing now as the hymn says "May our tears be turned into dancing. For the Lord.... has turned the night into day." God bless Butch.

Marion Casey

To the family of Butch; he was a wonderful man. I worked at the Butch's in Mt Prospect from 1978 until 1982. I learned a great deal from him such as respect and the way customers are to be treated. I am a nurse now and I still hear his words of wisdom. I am sorry for your loss and know that he will never be forgotten.

The entire Guthrie family, Mel, Sue, Laura and John, sends their deepest condolences.

My deepest sympathy to the family and all of Butch's friends. I worked for Butch at the Mt. Prospect location for several years in the late 70's. While I met Butch on only a handful of occasions, he always treated me more as a peer than as an employee. I learned a great appreciation for the way he did business and the way he treated people. The environment he created was a great place for employees and customers alike, and I made many friendships from those years that I still maintain today. When I think of Butch, and my time in his bars, I always have a smile on my face .......... May he rest in peace.

One night in Butch's Place, Larry Novak's surprise birthday party in 1960 (?) will never be forgotten. Butch's friendliness and generosity to Larry's old Navy buddies was a wonderful experience.

May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to the McGuire family. Butch was a great guy and a wonderful friend to my son Craig at Northwestern Military Academy.

HEARING OF THE DEATH OF BUTCH BROUGHT BACK MANY FOND MEOMRIES OF THE BAR & FRIENDS DURING THE EARLY SIXTIES....MY SMYPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND THOSE WHO LOVED HIM.MAY HE REST IN PEACE

TO KNOW HIM, WAS TO LOVE HIM..WHAT GREAT CONVERSATIONS WE HAD OVER THE YEARS. M.J., YOU WERE BLESSED WITH YOUR YEARS TOGETHER..GOD KEEP YOU AND ALL THE FAMILY..BILLY B.

In 1978, I visited Butch McGuire's in Mount Prospect, and noticed a sign on the wall that said, "Broke with a college degree?" I had just graduated from college, and had not started teaching yet, so I inquired about a job. I ended up working there on and off for 5 years. During that time I had the opportunity to be friendly with Butch, who I found to be an enjoyable, sweet man. He had a special fondness for me as a special education teacher, because he told me had dyslexia.

In addition, Butch asked his employees to serve/bartend at various democratic fundraisers or events. I worked many of those in the city, and enjoyed them immensely. Seeing the important politicians from Chicago was quite a thrill for this young suburban girl.

Those years working for Butch proved to be some of the most memorable of my entire life. The lifelong friends that I have from that era enjoy reminiscing as much as I do about the old times in the beer garden, or about “Butch Bucks”, or about the yearly St. Patrick’s Day celebration. I know that Butch’s family will have many memories to cherish of this wonderful man. Please know you are in my thoughts at this difficult time.

Chicago was lucky to have Butch Mcguire who had more than one heart of gold.

CONDOLENCES

Like many others, I will always cherish the great memories of Butch. He was truly a legend in his own time.

I went to the Academy with Butch for 4 years and considered him as a good friend. I have talked to him at our reunions and his fond memory of going to night study class in Blake Hall for 4 years. He was the only person that had to do that. He was very generous to our reunions providing food and drink at no cost to anyone. He will always be remebered by me. He will be missed by all tht knew him.

From the Monday night dinners in his Chicago home to breaking bread at our restaurant in Maine, spending time with Butch and his family and friends was very special indeed. We all learned so much from this wonderful man. Our deepest condolences to Mary Jo, his family, and his friends,

Alice and I moved back home to Chicago three years ago. We frequented "Butch's" often before then and certainly now. He always treated us as a neighbor. Surely this is the end of an era in Chicago. He will be sorely missed.

Dear Butch,

Good bye my old driend. Even though we had lost touch, I have always remembered out time together, especially those early campaign days for the Mayor