Longtime Auburn resident David McGuire turns 100

COVID-19 took Auburn from David G. McGuire, but it couldn't take away his morning tea, newspaper and Sacramento Bee crossword puzzle. When the pandemic hit, Mr. McGuire moved in with his daughter, Sharon Bane, in El Dorado Hills, where he continues to conquer the puzzle (with the help of his trusty crossword dictionary) and where family and friends honored him Sunday, Jan. 10, on his 100th birthday. Cars paraded by the home to wish Mr. McGuire a happy birthday and grab a cupcake. He was joined by daughters Bane and Colleen Kieselhorst, grandchildren Allison, Casey, David, Laurel and Madeline, and great-grandchild Weslyn. "Everyone had a good time," granddaughter Laurel Bane said. "A pleasant afternoon, in the middle of January. It was a great celebration to honor him. We were all excited for him." Mr. McGuire was born in Northfields, Minnesota, graduated with an engineering degree from the University of Minnesota in 1944 and served with the U.S. Navy from 1944-47, including active duty in Guam. He and his wife, Sally Lee, retired to Auburn in 1980. Sally Lee passed away several years ago, but Mr. McGuire continued to drive daily (he still has 20/20 vision) to the Auburn Elks Club for lunch and a single Martini with a group of friends known as "ROMEO" (Retired Old Men Eating Out). He also funded new granite counters for the restrooms. And Mr. McGuire still has his puzzles. Laurel Bane said in an email to the Auburn Journal though her grandfather has had his note- and word-filled crossword dictionary for "well over 50 years," he uses it "rarely." "He says that with this book, he can solve any crossword puzzle in the Bee, and he completes them every day, with few exceptions," she said.