Richard Stewart Guthrie died March 27, 2021 in Reno, Nevada. Richard was born December 21, 1930 in Niles, Michigan to Edward and Mary Guthrie. His sister, Romilda, was born after the family moved to California where they lived until moving to Japan as missionaries in 1940. As WW-2 exploded across Asia they were transferred to Manila in the Philippines in 1941 as it was considered safer at the time. As the war extended to the Philippines the women and children was moved to Camp John Hay in Baguio, but soon the family were reunited as prisoners in Santo Tomas, then placed under house arrest, and finally sent to the infamous Los Banos Internment Camp. Despite near-starvation rations and little if any teaching materials, Richard’s mother, with others, continued his education. Upon liberation from Los Banos in 1945 and their return to the United States, Richard graduated from Walla Walla College, married Juanita Bruce in 1951 and graduated from Loma Lina University School of Medicine in 1956.
After internship near San Diego, he spent two years with the Navy as a physician in Japan. Three sons and a daughter were added to the family. Following a 4-year mission term at the Youngberg Memorial Hospital in Singapore, Richard completed a surgery residency in North Carolina and settled in Ukiah, California in 1969. Their daughter Janice died in 1972 and Juanita in 1998. Richard married Shirley Newhart in 2000 and gained a beloved stepdaughter, Shari. Richard enjoyed playing golf and faithfully hiked the hills near their home. His talent on the bass clarinet, piano, and organ were a joy to many.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley, sons George, Tim and Todd, Shari; seven grandchildren including Rebecca. Laurel, Scott, William, Brianna, Melissa, and Janelle; three great grandchildren: and sister Romilda and niece Lisa.
A memorial service will be held May 2, 2021 at the Ukiah Seventh-day Adventist Church, at 10 a.m. PST. Memorial gifts may be sent to Holbrook Indian School Triplex Project at: Holbrook Indian School P.O. Box 910 Holbrook, AZ 86025 or https://www.holbrookindianschool.org/donate
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