Derek James Mcguire's Obituary
Aloha ʻOe, Derek "Mac" McGuire
With heavy hearts and deep aloha, we celebrate the life of Derek "Mac" McGuire, who left us at the age of 67.
Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Mac embodied the true spirit of aloha. His life reflected a deep love for his culture, his people, the ocean, and the ʻāina. He carried himself with pride, strength, and an unwavering respect for the wisdom and traditions of his kūpuna.
Mac was known throughout the community as a gifted woodworker, master carver, and canoe builder. He created beautiful Hawaiian carvings and handcrafted drums, but his greatest passion was building canoes. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors, Mac taught himself the art of carving and canoe building, guided by the knowledge, traditions, and spirit of those who came before him. Through his hands, Hawaiian culture was preserved, honored, and brought to life for generations to come.
The ocean wasn't simply where Mac spent his time—it was where his spirit felt most at home. Whether paddling, working on canoes, or simply sitting near the water, he found peace and purpose in the places he loved most. He believed deeply in protecting Hawaiʻi, the ocean, and the ʻāina so future generations could experience the same beauty and connection that shaped his life.
Mac proudly served in the National Guard, but his service didn't end there. Throughout his life, he quietly gave of himself to anyone who needed a helping hand. If someone was struggling, Mac showed up. If something needed fixing, he found a way. He was the kind of man who would truly give the shirt off his back without ever expecting anything in return.
Mac could be stubborn, hard-headed, and strong-willed—but those who knew and loved him understood those qualities were born from his fierce passion and unwavering commitment to doing what he believed was right. He stood firm in his values and never backed down when it came to defending the people, places, and traditions he loved.
One of Mac's favorite sayings was:
"Without Hawaiians, no aloha, no Hawaiʻi."
Those words weren't simply something he said—they were how he lived. He believed in preserving Hawaiian culture, honoring those who came before us, and ensuring future generations understood the importance of their roots and heritage.
Above all else, Mac was a devoted father, grandfather, family man, and loyal friend. His love for his family ran deep, and the lessons he shared, the stories he told, and the memories he created will continue to live on through everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
Mac is survived by his mother Suzette (Robert "Bobby") Leite, his beloved children, daughter Tammie (Joseph "Kaleo") Evangelista and son Bryce McGuire; his grandchildren, Duke Evangelista and Kawailehua Akahi-McGuire; and his brothers, Marvin Jr. "Skippa" (Wendy) Butts, Eton (Rena) Butts, and Andrew (Michelle) Butts.
Mac was forever grateful for the love and guidance of his grandparents, Sadie and Walter Souza, who helped raise him and played an important role in shaping the man he became.
He is now reunited in spirit with his beloved son, Zachary McGuire; his sister, April Wilkerson; and his cherished grandparents, Sadie and Walter Souza.
Though our hearts ache with his passing, we find comfort knowing his spirit lives on—in the ocean swells, in every canoe that glides across the water, in the carvings he left behind, and in every act of aloha inspired by the life he lived. He believed that a person's legacy wasn't measured by what they owned, but by what they built, the people they helped and most of all the Aloha they left behind.
A hui hou, Mac.
May the winds always fill your sails, the seas remain calm beneath your canoe, and your spirit forever guide those who continue your journey.
Though your time here has come to pau, your legacy will forever paddle forward through your ʻohana, your craftsmanship, your teachings, and the countless lives you touched.
You will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.
Celebrations of Mac's Life
🌺 Maui Celebration
Sunday, July 19
From lunch until sunset
🌺 Big Island Celebration
Saturday, August 1
Punaluʻu Beach (two small pavilions)
From lunch until sunset
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