Founder Of Guernsey Farms Dairy Dies

John T. McGuire, 103, Developed Formulas For Ice Cream, Hot Fudge and Chocolate Milk

NORTHVILLE, Mich. – The founder of Guernsey Farms Dairy, John T. McGuire, passed away Friday in his home at the age of 103.

McGuire, a resident of Northville, started Guernsey Farms Dairy in 1940 with a simple business philosophy, "Produce good product, maintain the quality and give good service in delivering them to the customer."

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He completed a dairy program at Michigan Agricultural College, which is now Michigan State University. There McGuire developed formulas to produce ice cream, chocolate milk, buttermilk, sour cream and egg nog. His latest formula was developed when he was 80 years old and it was Hot Fudge, Butterscotch and Chocolate Syrup.

His way of making ice cream was with best ingredients and the farm will continue that tradition.

The dairy's first location was on Center Street in Northville. It moved in 1966 to its current location on Novi Road.

McGuire was an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church since 1942 and was one of the church's oldest members. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent DePaul Society, OLV School Men's Club, Usher Club, and Knights of Equity. He was also a member of the Allied Ice Cream Association and Dairy Tech

He was married to Elise "Pat" McGuire on Nov. 19, 1938 and they spent 65 years together until her death in 2003. His family of over 200 members and growing was of great importance to him. He is survived by his children, sister-in-law, sister, 50 grandchilden, 84 grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Thursday at noon. Father Denis B. Theroux will preside at the mass. McGuire will be laid to rest next to his wife at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Fowlerville.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to St. Patrick Senior Center, 58 Parson, Detroit, MI 48201 or St. Paul's of the Cross Retreat Center, 23333 Schoolcraft Rd., Detroit, MI 48223.

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