John McGuire, founder of Guernsey Farms Dairy, Northville, Mich., passed away Oct. 14 from natural causes. He was 103.
McGuire founded Guernsey Farms Dairy in 1940. It was named for Guernsey cows, which long were favored by Michigan farmers for their rich milk. The family-run business moved to its current location on Novi Road in 1966, and grew to include a dairy, ice cream factory, restaurant, retail store and ice cream parlor. It now boasts more than 50 flavors of ice cream, which are made on site.
His wife of 65 years, Elise (Pat) McGuire, died in 2003. Survivors include sons Tom, Jim, Hugh, Joe, Mike, Marty and Paul; daughters, Pat Lawson, Mary Wicke, Peg Lulfs, Fran Hardy, Lucy McGuire, Rita Rice and Karen Kinville; one sister; 50 grandchildren; 84 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.
