Merlin MaGouirk

Merlin Ray "Buddy" MaGouirk passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2013, in Durango. He was 76. Buddy was born in Dallas, Texas, August 28, 1936, son of Harold and Leota MaGouirk. After his graduation from Adamson High School in Dallas, he graduated from Fort Lewis College and then he joined the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in Long Beach, Calif., and he spent his four years on a destroyer, the USS Mansfield. He was awarded a China Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal, and he completed the Radio “A” School during his service. After his discharge in 1959, he returned to Dallas, where he spent many years in the food business, most recently Pizza Inn, Inc. Buddy married Patricia Ann Mauzy December 20, 1955, in Albuquerque, and they raised four children together. The marriage later ended in divorce. When Buddy returned to Durango he met Barbara Beard. The family said he and Barbara were inseparable until the time of his death 21 years later. Buddy enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in the mountains around Durango. His son said his love of fishing will be commemorated on his headstone, which is decorated with a trout fisherman. Buddy was of Baptist faith. His family said, "He was very outgoing and never met a stranger. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him." He is survived by his wife Barbara Beard of Durango, daughter Brenda Sue Loar of Rowlett, Texas, sons Steven Ray MaGouirk and Kevin Lee MaGouirk of Dallas; sister Margaret Josephine (Ray) Snow of Maybank, Texas, stepchildren: Carla Miller of Yuma, Ariz., Douglas (Rebecca) Miller of Houston, Wesley (Lanelle) Miller of Montrose, Colo., and Joan (Ken) Manchester of Farmington, N.M.; numerous grandchildren and step-grandchildren; and former wife, Patricia Ann MaGouirk of Dallas. Buddy was preceded in death by his son, Gary V. MaGouirk. Cremation has occurred and his ashes will be interred at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango. A graveside memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2013, at Greenmount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.