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Happy 2010! As we welcome in the New Year, we can be proud that the Celts were a tremendous influence on our own New Year's Eve celebrations. What song do we all sing? Auld Lang Syne, naturally. What list do we all make on January 1? Our New Year's resolutions are a tradition invented by the Scots (yes, really--I don't buy the story that gives credit to the Babylonians). Why are guests told to BYOB? Because the Scots have a custom called the "First Footer," which consists of a handsome young man (we wish) being the first to cross our threshold as soon as the bells ring at midnight, bearing gifts of bread or meat (food for the new year), coal (warmth for the new year), and, what else? whisky--drink for the new year and by far the most important and consistently remembered contribution. (See Mary Ellen Sharifzadeh's article on the First Footer tradition, entitled Hogma WHAT?! archived on our web site.)
The SCS had a fabulous time at our Christmas Party last month. The Alexanders generously offered to host it and the party was a delight. Music was provided by Gerry Smida, the food was delicious, and the caroling outstanding. Of course, the Alexanders are the consummate hosts, so it's no surprise that it was so nice.
I hope that you have already sent in your reservations for Robert Burns Night, to be held on January 30. Good Company, Good Times is our theme and, as you know, Burns Night always provides both. Reservations with remittance are required by January 23, so don't delay! (See our web site for additional RSVP forms should you need them.)
We were saddened to hear about the death of Harry Maguire, one of the original SCS founders. Harry was a delightful man and will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to Johanna and the family. .
-Helen MacLaren,
President
SCS Board, from left to right: Linda Simpson, Carol Zoeller, Secretary Peggy Randolph, Shirley Pritchett, Treasurer Mike Bunten, President Helen Allasia, and Vice-President Kitty Seiler. Photo by Lisa Fisher.
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REMEMBERING HARRY
Harry Philip Maguire
July 24, 1924 to December 9, 2009
It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of one of our most beloved members, Harry Maguire. The following obituary was graciously supplied by Harry's stepson, Roland Hall.
Harry Philip Maguire, age 85, died peacefully in his home on December 9, 2009. Complications from a broken hip and congestive heart failure combined to overwhelm him.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on July 24, 1924, Harry spent all of his youth in
Fargo, North Dakota, until his mid-teens. In the summer of his 17th year, Harry struck out to discover the world. Fleeing the cold and snow of North Dakota, he hitchhiked to Miami, Florida, where he joined the US Navy in 1942, less than one month after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Harry's active duty years in the US Navy placed him and his "crash boat" mates in the South Pacific, often behind enemy lines, as they recovered downed American pilots and air crews throughout the war. His biggest "catch" was an Army one-star General in a downed B-17.
With our victory overseas secured and the peace it brought, he returned home to the USA, and in December of 1945, Harry married Catherine Marie Dougherty in Philadelphia, PA. In 1947, they moved to Los Angeles, California, and Harry started what would become a long career with the Southern California Rapid Transit District (RTD). Their son, Dennis, was also born in 1947.
Harry, half Viking by birth (a "White Heathen" Norwegian), loved to sail. With his son's help, they hand built a small sail boat that brought them many hours of enjoyment. Harry also developed a passion for Bonsai and the skills to become a respected teacher of the art.
With humble beginnings, Harry accomplished much. From a young sailor at age 17 in 1942, Harry rose the rank of Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (E-9), the very first of two so promoted in the Navy, and this he accomplished well before the end of his 33 years of Naval Reserve service. Harry also rose to senior middle management with the RTD before retiring after a 34-year career.
In 1981, Catherine and Harry moved to Shingletown in northern California, but retirement did not slow him down. A member of many groups and organizations, Harry was a founding member and past president of the Redding Bonsai Club; founding member, past president and board member of the Shasta Celtic Society; past president of the Good Sam Club - Redding Roadrunners; AARP 55 Alive instructor and coordinator; Sons of Norway (Shastafjell Lodge #108) member; Edelweiss German-American Club member; and a Mercy Hospice volunteer.
Preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine Marie Maguire (1999), and his son, Dennis Richard Maguire (2005), he is survived by his wife Johanna Maguire, his grandson Ian Scott Maguire, his stepdaughter Janine Hall and stepson Roland Hall.
We will miss his smile, his laugh, his touch.
Memorial services for Harry, a celebration of his life, will be held on Friday, January 8, at 10 am, at St. James Lutheran Church, 2500 Shasta View Drive, Redding. Also on Friday, January 8, interment services for Harry will be held at 2 PM at the Igo Veteran's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be sent to Mercy Hospice, 1544 Market Street, Redding, CA 96001.
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The grand event is almost here--the Shasta Celtic Society's finest, Robert Burns Night Supper--on Saturday, January 30, at the Holiday Inn. There will be toasts and speeches, poetry readings and singing, dancing and piping, the parading of the haggis and loads of musical entertainment. Doors will open at 5 PM (this is a change in time from years past) for the social gathering, dancing, charging your glasses and buying raffle tickets. The program starts at 6 PM.
It started the day I discovered that I was a real member of the Clan Fraser. Every time I passed the window in which the bolt of tartan cloth was displayed I had a peculiar tingling sensation, a desire to get rid of my prosaic "trousers" and don the real garb of the Highlander.
