Jack Guthrie

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Jack Guthrie who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jack was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jack knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.      Jack was born on October 31, 1936 at the family home in Millbrook, Ontario. His parents were Robert and Edna Guthrie. Jack was also raised in Millbrook, along with his three sisters and two brothers. He had two older brothers Lloyd and Don, two older sisters Mary and Margaret and a younger sister Laureen.       Jack's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Jack enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Jack took part in baseball and hockey. In his spare time he liked to help his uncles on the farms. Jack's memorable achievements included pitching a "no-hitter" baseball game at the age of 19.      Jack was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Jack was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Jack came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, one of his best friends was Ray Lowry. Later in life, he became friends with Roy and Helen Vallant (A.A. Sponsor), Gord and Grace Wood, John Shute, Carole and Wally Shervington, and Keith and Jeanette Dunford, as well as his long time neighbours Stan Wilson and Orville Climenhaga.      An objective and conscientious individual, Jack reveled in the security of his family. On August 2, 1958 Jack exchanged wedding vows with Janet Lillian Bigelow at the United Church in Bethany, Ontario.       Jack was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Jack would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jack was blessed with two children, a son Darrell, and a daughter Karen. He was also blessed with five grandchildren, Lisa and Lana Guthrie, and Kevin, Elyse and Breanne Douse.      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jack was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. In both his personal and professional environments, Jack upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a labourer. He was employed for thirty-three years at General Motors.      Jack approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gardening, especially growing and canning tomatoes, fixing anything mechanical, word puzzles, shuffleboard, and bowling. Jack was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Jack to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Jack played baseball and hockey. Recreational sports included golf, baseball, hockey, bowling and shuffleboard. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey and horse racing.      Being generous with his time and energy, Jack devoted many hours attending Alcoholics Anomymous meetings. He was a active leader who supported and mentored many new members. He upheld the traditions of the Twelve Step Program in his daily life. Jack achieved sobriety on June 26, 1977 and maintained it until the day of his passing. He was also extremely involved in volunteering at Renascent House.      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Jack used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. Jack and Janet travelled yearly to destinations such as Cuba, Hawaii, Jamaica and St. Marten. They frequently travelled with Grace and Gordon Wood and have many fond memories of those times.      When Jack’s retirement finally arrived in 1994, he found pleasure in volunteer work with A.A., enjoying his grandchildren, ice skating and shuffleboard. In many ways, Jack loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.      Jack passed away on December 6, 2009 at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa. He is survived by his wife Janet, his son Darrell and his wife Alexis, his daughter Karen and her husband Andy, and, his grandchildren Lisa, Lana, Kevin, Elyse and Breanne. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home Chapel. Jack was laid to rest in Rosemount Memorial Gardens, Peterborough.      All who knew him would agree that Jack was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Jack Guthrie did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.