Гэри Макгуир: несмотря на финансовые трудности, он создал наследие для колледжа и сообщества

McGuire brought 'impactful projects' to Sault College Article content When finances were tight at Sault College, Gerry McGuire still got things done at the Sault Ste. Marie post-secondary institution. McGuire, who died Aug. 10 at age 82, advanced Indigenous education at the Northern Avenue campus and pushed for the opening of a student life centre in 1993. That same year, the 157-bed Ray Lawson Hall started housing students. An Indigenous student centre, Enji Maawnjiding, or Where We Gather, opened in 1994. Recommended Videos “He managed to accomplish a lot despite, and it’s not an overstatement, horrendously difficult financial realities with the cuts he had to deal with,” Rick McGee, retired college communications officer, told The Sault Star. “Somehow he managed to beat many of the challenges of financial difficulties and actually do some advancing even amid the cutting.” Reduced provincial government funding was a challenge throughout McGuire’s 11 years leading the college. Full-time staffing shrunk nearly 30 per cent – from 467 to 339 – when he was at the helm as the college’s third president. The workforce restrictions hit the Sault Ste. Marie native hard. “Unless you’re a stone it has to have an impact on you,” he said in May 2002. “I’m not as patient as I used to be. I’m a little straightforward and maybe more blunt that maybe I should be. It has an impact.” McGee said the tough decisions to reduce Sault College’s workforce “bothered (McGuire) more than people would know.” “He was deeply troubled by the cuts that had to be made,” he said. McGuire advocated for students to have a larger gathering space on campus. The student life centre was expanded twice after its opening, replacing a cramped former teaching space in an older section of the college. The centre, since demolished, was dedicated to McGuire in 2002. “I was really quite admiring of his abilities and skills and how he dealt with thee extraordinarily difficult times,” said McGee. McGuire, who succeeded Ron Doyle in 1991, worked at the college for 34 years. His roles included continuing education program development officer and director of human resources and student services. McGuire led the way for Sault College graduates to get credit for their studies towards a degree at Lake Superior State University. A similar pact with Algoma University followed several years later in 1999. “Gerry’s legacy lives in the students and the community he served, the scholarships and awards established in Gerry’s honour, and the impactful projects he brought to campus,” said Sault College president Sherri Smith in an email. Rick Wing, who retired as registrar and dean of enrolment services in 2011, said McGuire “always supported” his projects at Sault College. “Having the president’s support was so important and he never missed an opportunity to do so,” said Wing in an online tribute. “I deeply appreciated his humour, dedication and the family atmosphere he created for all who worked with him. He was a major part in my being able to say that I loved every day I worked there.” McGuire represented Ward 2 on city council for three terms ending in 1976. He was awarded City of Sault Ste. Marie’s Medal of Merit in 2003. The honour recognizes individuals or groups whose actions have helped the municipality or larger community. McGuire was described as a “tremendous statesman” and representative of the Sault for years. Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said the honour was “a fitting recognition of the impact he had on Sault Ste. Marie and the many ways he worked to make our community a better place.” “Gerry leaves behind a legacy of leadership and service, and he will be remembered with great respect and appreciation by our community,” said Shoemaker in a statement. McGuire was predeceased by his wife, Kaye, in August 2025. He is survived by his two children, six grandchildren and a great-grandson. Visitation is at Arthur Funeral Home-Barton & Kiteley Chapel on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral mass follows Friday at 11 a.m. at Precious Blood Cathedral. “Bottom line a good man,” said McGee. “A good human being.”