Rodney Henry McGuire, 70, passed away at his home on October 10, 2026. He was born on March 28, 1956, in John Day, Oregon. 

Rod traveled throughout much of the Northwest during his early years, rarely staying in one place for long, until his family settled in Rufus, Oregon, when he was in sixth grade. He attended Rufus Elementary School and Sherman County Union High School, where he was a three-sport athlete, participating in football, rodeo, and wrestling. He graduated in 1975 and attended Eastern Oregon State College for several years before marrying his high school sweetheart, Lori Diane Kock, on September 24, 1977. Lori was affectionately known as “Wife” to Rod and to many who knew them.

 In the spring of 1979, Rod and Lori returned to Sherman County, where Rod worked on several wheat ranches around the county. In 1990, the family relocated to Condon, Oregon, where Rod and Lori managed a large hay and cattle operation while raising their three children. 

In 1996, Lori began teaching school full-time, which prompted Rod to buy a schoolhouse - a longstanding family joke that he loved to tell. In May of 1996, Olex Elementary became their home, and Rod poured his time, energy, and vision into transforming the property. He spent every spare moment renovating, relocating buildings, and constructing new ones. Among his proudest accomplishments was his beautifully renovated party barn, filled with his many antiques. Rod dreamed of hosting events there, bringing people together while doing what he loved most: cooking, entertaining, and making others feel welcome. 

Rod wore many hats throughout his life. He was a devoted husband, father, and Papa; an influencer, a coach, a visionary, and a steadfast supporter of his community. He was also, by his own well-earned reputation, the best chuckwagon cook this side of the Mississippi. Above all, Rod loved fiercely, fought passionately for what mattered to him, and always put his family first. 

Rod is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lori Kock McGuire; his daughters, Marsha McGuire of Homedale, Idaho, and Tina Dickson of Madras, Oregon; and his son, Monte McGuire of Redmond, Oregon. 

His greatest pride and joy were his five grandchildren and great-granddaughter: Shelby Reed (Zane) of Finley, Washington; Clayton Reed (Raileigh) of Enterprise, Oregon; Thayne Dickson, 18; Odessa Johnson McGuire, 18; and Max Dickson, 16, and great-granddaughter Hayven (2) (Clayton and Raileigh). Rod was an exceptionally proud grandfather, and he made sure everyone knew it. He would stop people on the street to share the latest news about his grandchildren and tell them how proud he was. In his later years, he could often be found chasing them across the county, throughout the state, and eventually across the country. Whether in a gym, cheering on his grandchildren and their friends and teammates, or on the sidelines striking up conversations with new acquaintances, Rod was always ready to make a new friend, exchange phone numbers, and invite everyone back to his home. It was no surprise that so many came to know and love him as Papa Rod. 

Rod never knew a stranger. He might not always remember your name, but he knew who you were. He had a way of making people feel welcome, turning acquaintances into friends, and bringing people together wherever he went. His larger-than-life personality, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

A private memorial is being planned for November in Olex, Oregon, with a Celebration of Life scheduled for early spring 2027. The family is working to establish the Rod McGuire Memorial Scholarship in his honor. Donations may be made to Bank of Eastern Oregon, care of Rod McGuire Memorial, PO Box 38, Arlington, Oregon 97812.

Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Please leave your condolence messages for the family below.