Bill McGuire passed away on Dec. 22, 2018. (Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society).
A man who many in the Nanaimo community associated with the bathtub races has passed away.
Bill McGuire, the former longtime commodore of the Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society, died on Saturday at home. Greg Peacock, the current bathtub society commodore, said he was in his mid-70s.
“It is with heavy hearts today we mourn the loss of past Commodore, friend and mentor Bill McGuire. Bill’s dedication and commitment to our community and our tubbers will never be forgotten,” the society wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Peacock said McGuire was participated in the inaugural race in 1967 and later served as commodore for different stretches throughout the years before stepping down after the 2017 race.
McGuire also worked as a car salesman in Nanaimo and sold real estate. He recently retired after being with Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty.
Peacock said McGuire could remember what shirt somebody was wearing when he met them, even if it had been 30 years previous.
“He knew everybody. He remembered everybody,” Peacock said.
“It was incredible.”
Peacock also said McGuire had tons of stories about the years of the race, including some tales about former mayors John Ruttan and Frank Ney.
“He was very helpful with me as well,” Peacock said. Peacock started commodore duties around two years ago.
McGuire is survived by his wife Gail, his son Ken and two grandchildren. On Boxing Day, Dec. 26, there will be an informal gathering and salute to McGuire at the Frank Ney Memorial Polar Bear Swim. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and the swim starts at 1 p.m.
Bill McGuire at a Nanaimo bathtub race. (Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society).
CHEK News
